Hancock County Soil Data
Hancock County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hancock County, Ohio
Hancock County's Productive Soil
Hancock County features a pH of 6.36, which is nearly ideal when compared to the national median of 6.5. This value is significantly higher than the Ohio state average of 5.97, making it a top-tier location for diverse agriculture.
A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix
The soil is composed of 40.5% silt and 37.1% sand, which creates a very balanced and workable texture. With 21.4% clay, the soil retains the necessary structure to hold onto water and nutrients without becoming overly dense.
Excellent Water Capacity
The available water capacity is impressive at 0.198 in/in, well above the state average of 0.186. Organic matter stands at 3.34%, which is robust compared to the national average of 2.0%, even if it trails the state average.
High Soil Quality Rankings
Hancock County boasts a soil score of 75.3, far exceeding the state average of 66.0. This high score suggests the land is naturally well-suited for high-yield farming and stable construction projects.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6a
In Zone 6a, Hancock County's soil is a powerhouse for growing corn, soybeans, and hardy vegetables. The combination of high water capacity and balanced pH makes this some of the best gardening land in the state.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hancock County have?
Hancock County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 40% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hancock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hancock County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hancock County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hancock County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hancock County's soil?
Based on Hancock County's Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Hancock County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hancock County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hancock County
Soil Verdict
Hancock County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Hancock County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hancock 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.