Allen County Soil Data
Allen County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Allen County, Ohio
Perfectly Balanced pH for Growth
Allen County boasts a pH of 6.49, which almost perfectly matches the national median of 6.5 and is much higher than the state average of 5.97. This neutral balance makes it one of the most versatile counties in Ohio for immediate planting without heavy liming.
A Versatile Loamy Mixture
The soil is a balanced mix of 43.4% silt, 32.7% sand, and 22.4% clay. This composition provides excellent workability for farmers and enough clay to retain essential nutrients for high-yield crops.
High Soil Score and Superior Storage
With a soil score of 80.7, Allen County significantly outperforms the state average of 66.0. The available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, which is nearly 10% higher than the state average of 0.186, ensuring plants stay hydrated during dry spells.
Reliable Hydrology for Stable Land
The specific hydrologic group data is limited, but the 80.7 soil score suggests excellent natural utility. The balanced clay and sand ratio typically provides a stable foundation for both construction and intensive agriculture.
Bountiful Options in Zone 6a
Allen County sits in Zone 6a, making it ideal for staple crops like corn and soybeans which thrive in its neutral 6.49 pH soil. Gardeners can jump straight into the growing season with a soil that is already optimized for most vegetables.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Allen County have?
Allen County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 43% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Allen County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Allen County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Allen County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Allen County.
What crops or plants grow well in Allen County's soil?
Based on Allen County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Allen County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Allen County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Allen County
Soil Verdict
Allen County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Allen County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Allen County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Ohio
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.