Hardin County Soil Data
Hardin County, Ohio
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hardin County, Ohio
A High-Scoring Soil Foundation
Hardin County boasts an impressive soil score of 85.0, far exceeding the state average of 66.0. The average pH of 6.31 is slightly acidic but remains very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity creates a versatile environment for many different types of crops.
Balanced Texture for Agricultural Work
The soil contains a mix of 47.9% silt, 22.9% clay, and 22.4% sand. This composition provides excellent structural integrity while ensuring the earth remains workable for farmers and gardeners alike. The high silt content helps the soil feel smooth and retain essential minerals.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is high at 5.88%, beating both the state average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.216 in/in, this soil holds significantly more moisture and nutrients than the typical Ohio plot. This high fertility translates to excellent growing potential for high-yield harvests.
Reliable Water Retention
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced silt and clay proportions suggest stable water management. The high available water capacity indicates that the soil stores water efficiently during dry spells. Proper management ensures this moisture remains available to plant roots throughout the season.
Thriving in Zone 6a
The local hardiness zone 6a and superior soil quality make this county ideal for staples like corn and soybeans. These nutrient-dense soils also provide a perfect environment for starting a productive home vegetable garden. You can expect strong growth and high resilience from your plants here.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hardin County have?
Hardin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 48% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hardin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hardin 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 Hardin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hardin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hardin County's soil?
Based on Hardin County's 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 Hardin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hardin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hardin 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.