Butler County Soil Data
Butler County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Butler County, Ohio
Neutral Mollisols Lead Butler County
Butler County features Mollisols with a pH of 6.50, matching the national median exactly. This neutral profile is significantly less acidic than the Ohio state average of 5.97.
Silty Clay Loam Dominates
The soil consists of 55.0% silt and 20.3% clay, creating a heavy silty clay loam texture. While the 24.7% sand helps with some aeration, the high silt content requires careful management to avoid compaction.
Strong Water Capacity Despite Lower Organic Matter
The soil holds 0.205 inches of water per inch, beating the state average of 0.186. Although organic matter sits at a modest 2.09%—less than half the state average—the high water capacity fuels steady growth.
Managing Water in C/D Hydrologic Groups
These soils are classified as very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. Local builders and farmers must prioritize drainage systems to manage the ground's natural tendency to stay saturated.
Thriving in Zone 6b
With a hardiness zone of 6b and neutral pH, Butler County is a haven for vegetable staples like tomatoes and peppers. The soil's ability to retain moisture supports a productive home garden throughout the summer.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Butler County have?
Butler County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 55% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Butler County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Butler 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 Butler County?
Butler County has a dominant drainage class of "Very 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 Butler County's soil?
Based on Butler County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.5, and Very 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 Butler County?
Butler County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Butler County
Soil Verdict
Butler 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
Butler County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Butler 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.