Hamilton County Soil Data

Hamilton County, Ohio

Avg pH

6.3

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.8%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Hamilton County, Ohio

Neutral Ground in Hamilton County

Hamilton County’s soil averages a pH of 6.33, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5. This represents a much more neutral profile than the state average of 5.97, which is a major advantage for local gardeners.

Silt-Heavy Urban Soils

The soil contains 54.3% silt and 23.8% clay, the highest clay percentage among these eight counties. This mix is supplemented by 21.9% sand, resulting in a soil that is very effective at retaining nutrients but can be heavy to work.

Water Retention vs. Organic Matter

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.77%, falling below both the state and national averages. However, the available water capacity is high at 0.196 in/in, ensuring that the soil holds onto moisture effectively for your plants.

Solid Soil Performance

Hamilton County has a soil score of 63.1, which is just below the Ohio state average of 66.0. While local drainage classes are unlisted in this data, the high water capacity suggests the soil handles moisture well despite lower organic levels.

Urban Gardening in Zone 6b

Hamilton County's Zone 6b climate is perfect for everything from backyard vegetables to ornamental landscapes. Adding compost will help boost the low organic matter and unlock the full potential of your neutral-pH soil.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 21.9%
Silt: 54.3%
Clay: 23.8%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3pH
6.32783736567559
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

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

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 Hamilton County have?

Hamilton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 54% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Hamilton County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Hamilton County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Hamilton County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Hamilton County.

What crops or plants grow well in Hamilton County's soil?

Based on Hamilton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Hamilton County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Hamilton County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.