Clinton County Soil Data

Clinton County, Ohio

Avg pH

6.4

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

2.3%

Hydrologic Group

B

Data Story

About Soil in Clinton County, Ohio

Clinton’s Reliable Alfisol Profile

Clinton County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.37, beating the state average of 5.97. This profile sits very close to the national median of 6.5, ensuring most nutrients remain chemically available to plants.

The Ideal Silt Loam Blend

Composed of 57.4% silt and 20.3% clay, the soil forms a productive silt loam. The 22.3% sand component ensures enough pore space for air to reach plant roots, a critical factor for crop health.

Top-Tier Water Retention

Clinton County boasts a high water capacity of 0.214 in/in, outperforming the Ohio average of 0.186. While organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.28%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it highly resilient.

Excellent Drainage for Agriculture

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This is the gold standard for farming and building, as it prevents waterlogging while still supporting deep root systems.

Zone 6b Growth Potential

With its well-drained silt loam and 6b hardiness zone, Clinton County is perfect for deep-rooted crops like fruit trees and sunflowers. This soil is ready for a high-performance garden with minimal effort.

Soil Composition

Silt loam
Sand: 22.3%
Silt: 57.4%
Clay: 20.3%
Silt loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.373354067884
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group B — Moderate Runoff

Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.

Runoff potential:Moderate

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silt loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clinton County have?

Clinton County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 57% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clinton County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clinton County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Clinton County?

Clinton County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

What crops or plants grow well in Clinton County's soil?

Based on Clinton County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Clinton County?

Clinton 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.

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.