Gallia County Soil Data
Gallia County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gallia County, Ohio
High Acidity in Gallia Soil
Gallia County has a significantly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.26, well below the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the state average of 5.97, which will influence which plants can thrive without soil amendments.
Silty Texture with Low Clay
The soil is comprised of 45.5% silt and only 16.9% clay, creating a texture that is less prone to the heavy clumping found in other parts of Ohio. With 24.9% sand, the soil remains relatively loose and manageable for manual gardening.
Exceptional Organic Matter Content
Gallia boasts a massive organic matter content of 10.35%, more than double the Ohio state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.160 in/in, suggesting that the soil does not hold moisture as well as its organic content might imply.
Managing a Low Soil Score
With a soil score of 50.4, Gallia sits below the state average of 66.0, indicating some natural limitations for intensive farming. Although specific drainage classes are not recorded, the lower water capacity suggests a need for consistent moisture management.
Zone 6b's Acid-Loving Haven
This acidic, high-organic soil is a natural fit for blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons in Zone 6b. Capitalize on the incredible organic matter by planting crops that enjoy rich, well-aerated environments.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gallia County have?
Gallia County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 45% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gallia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gallia County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Gallia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gallia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gallia County's soil?
Based on Gallia County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Gallia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gallia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Gallia County
Soil Verdict
Gallia 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
Gallia 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 Gallia 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.