Brown County Soil Data
Brown County, Ohio
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Brown County, Ohio
The Silt Loam Alfisols of Brown
Brown County features Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture and a pH of 6.29. This pH is higher than the state average of 5.97, making it closer to the national median of 6.5 and very hospitable for agriculture.
Heavy Silt and Moderate Clay
The composition is 57.6% silt, 23.1% clay, and 19.2% sand. This high silt and clay combination creates a dense soil that can become very firm, providing a stable but sometimes difficult-to-plow surface.
Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage
Organic matter is low at 2.04%, trailing the state average of 4.85%. Despite this, the available water capacity is a strong 0.201 in/in, which is better than the state average and helps plants survive during dry periods.
Somewhat Poorly Drained Group D
This soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. This means the ground has a high runoff potential and may require drainage tiles or raised beds to prevent waterlogging.
Successful Growing in Zone 6b
Hardiness Zone 6b and a 6.29 pH offer a great start for any gardener. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained, consider planting moisture-tolerant species or using containers to get your garden growing this spring.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Brown County have?
Brown County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 58% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brown County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Brown County?
Brown County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Brown County's soil?
Based on Brown County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Brown County?
Brown County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brown 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.