Guernsey County Soil Data
Guernsey County, Ohio
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Guernsey County, Ohio
Guernsey County's Silty Profile
Guernsey County has an average pH of 5.70, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.97. This pH level is below the national median of 6.5, suggesting that some lime may be needed for certain garden vegetables.
High Silt, Low Sand Mix
The soil is dominated by 54.1% silt and 20.7% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 19.1%. This combination creates a dense soil that is excellent at holding minerals but can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.
Excellent Organic Reserves
The organic matter content is strong at 5.97%, beating both the national average and the state average of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity of 0.175 in/in is slightly below the state average, requiring attentive watering during peak summer.
Modest Performance Scores
Guernsey County holds a soil score of 59.9, placing it below the Ohio state average of 66.0. While specific drainage classes are not available, the silty nature and moderate water capacity indicate a need for careful soil management.
Hardy Growth in Zone 6b
The Zone 6b climate in Guernsey is well-suited for hardy perennials and traditional midwestern grains. Focus on building soil structure to make the most of your high organic matter levels.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Guernsey County have?
Guernsey County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 54% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Guernsey County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Guernsey County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Guernsey County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Guernsey County.
What crops or plants grow well in Guernsey County's soil?
Based on Guernsey County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Guernsey County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Guernsey County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Guernsey 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.