Erie County Soil Data
Erie County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Erie County, Ohio
Standard Ohio Acidic Soil
Erie County has a soil pH of 5.93, which is very close to the state average of 5.97. This slightly acidic environment is typical for the region, though lower than the national median of 6.5.
Sandy Shores and Quick Warming
The soil is notably sandy for Ohio, containing 37.1% sand along with 39.6% silt and 18.8% clay. This higher sand content generally improves drainage and allows the soil to warm up faster in the spring.
Moderate Fertility and Capacity
The organic matter content is 3.48%, which is below the state average of 4.85%. Correspondingly, the available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in.
High Permeability Prospects
Detailed drainage and taxonomic data are limited, but the 37.1% sand content suggests better-than-average permeability for the area. This makes the soil easier to work shortly after rainfall compared to heavier clay soils.
Orchards and Grapes in 6b
Situated in hardiness zone 6b, the county's lake-adjacent climate is famous for fruit production. The sandy soil mix is ideal for grapes and orchard fruits that require well-aerated roots.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Erie County have?
Erie County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 40% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Erie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Erie County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Erie County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Erie County.
What crops or plants grow well in Erie County's soil?
Based on Erie County's Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Erie County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Erie County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Erie County
Soil Verdict
Erie 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
Erie County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Erie 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.