Belmont County Soil Data
Belmont County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Very channery loam
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
5.9%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Belmont County, Ohio
The Rocky Entisols of Belmont
Belmont County is characterized by Entisols with a unique 'very channery loam' texture and a pH of 5.83. This pH is slightly more acidic than the state average but much more favorable than the national median of 6.5 for certain native species.
Silty Loam with Low Clay
The soil is 53.4% silt and 20.6% sand, with only 20.1% clay. The 'channery' designation means the soil contains many thin, flat rock fragments, which affects how water and roots move through the earth.
High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage
The organic matter is a robust 5.88%, which is excellent for fertility compared to the 4.85% state average. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.166 in/in, as the rocky fragments in the soil don't hold water like pure earth does.
Somewhat Excessively Drained Land
Falling into hydrologic group A, these soils are somewhat excessively drained. This means water moves through very quickly, reducing flood risks for buildings but requiring frequent watering for gardens.
Tough Plants for Zone 6b
The Zone 6b climate in Belmont is perfect for orchards and vineyards that prefer the fast drainage of rocky loam. If you start a garden, focus on drought-tolerant varieties to compensate for the low 0.166 water capacity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Very channery loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Belmont County have?
Belmont County's soil is classified as Very channery loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 53% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Belmont County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Belmont County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Belmont County?
Belmont County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Belmont County's soil?
Based on Belmont County's Very channery loam texture, pH of 5.8, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Belmont County?
Belmont County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Belmont County
Soil Verdict
Belmont County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Belmont County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Belmont 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.