Darke County Soil Data
Darke County, Ohio
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Darke County, Ohio
High-Scoring Agricultural Soil
Darke County boasts a soil score of 80.6, well above the state average of 66.0. Its average pH of 6.22 is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Ohio neighbors.
Structural Stability with Clay and Silt
The soil composition is a balanced blend of 49.3% silt, 23.3% sand, and 23.3% clay. This equal parts sand and clay mixture provides a sturdy structure that resists compaction while maintaining good workability.
Deep Reservoirs for Thirsty Crops
The county features 5.07% organic matter, beating the state average of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.209 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, providing a deep reservoir for crops.
Highly Productive Silty Ground
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and clay content indicates a soil that holds moisture well. Farmers in this region benefit from some of the most productive agricultural land in the state.
A Powerhouse for Grains and Trees
Darke County is situated in hardiness zone 6a, making it a powerhouse for traditional Midwestern grain production. The superior water capacity makes this an excellent environment for establishing deep-rooted fruit trees.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Darke County have?
Darke County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 49% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Darke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Darke County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Darke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Darke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Darke County's soil?
Based on Darke County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Darke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Darke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Darke 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.