Crawford County Soil Data

Crawford County, Ohio

Avg pH

6.0

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Moderately well drained

Organic Matter

5.3%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Crawford County, Ohio

Silt Loam Alfisols of Crawford County

Crawford’s silt loam soils belong to the Alfisols order and feature a pH of 5.99. This is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but sits right at the Ohio state average.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

The ground consists of 51.5% silt, 24.5% sand, and 20.8% clay. This balanced mix ensures the soil is easy to work while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients for crops.

Superior Organic Matter and Capacity

With 5.26% organic matter, the county exceeds both the state average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is also higher than the state mean, indicating excellent growing potential.

Managing Slow Water Infiltration

Classified as moderately well drained, these soils fall into hydrologic group D. This suggests slow infiltration rates, meaning farmers and builders should plan for managed runoff during heavy rains.

Hardy Crops in Zone 6a

Crawford County is in hardiness zone 6a, where the rich silt loam supports robust corn and soybean yields. Gardeners can take advantage of the high water capacity to grow a wide variety of cool-season vegetables.

Soil Composition

Silt loam
Sand: 24.5%
Silt: 51.5%
Clay: 20.8%
Silt loam

Soil pH

6.0pH
5.98919683109712
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 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.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Moderately well drained

Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.

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 Crawford County have?

Crawford County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 51% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Crawford County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Crawford County?

Crawford County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Crawford County's soil?

Based on Crawford County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.0, and Moderately 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 Crawford County?

Crawford 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.