Lawrence County Soil Data
Lawrence County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
14.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lawrence County, Ohio
Deeply acidic, high-organic southern soil
Lawrence County has a low average pH of 5.38, well below the national median of 6.5. This high acidity is often found in forested, high-organic environments common to southern Ohio. It represents some of the most acidic soil in the state, requiring careful management for most agricultural uses.
Silty soil with low clay
The soil composition is 44.1% silt and 21.0% sand, with a relatively low clay content of 15.7%. This mix creates a friable texture that is easy for roots to penetrate and simple for gardeners to dig. However, the low clay levels mean the soil lacks the natural 'stickiness' that helps hold water and nutrients.
Incredible organic matter levels
Lawrence County boasts a staggering 14.82% organic matter, nearly triple the Ohio average of 4.85%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is low at 0.150 in/in compared to the state average of 0.186. This indicates a soil that is nutrient-dense but dries out quickly, requiring consistent moisture management.
Water flow in the southern hills
Drainage class data is limited for this area, but the low clay and high organic matter suggest a porous structure. Water likely moves through these soils rapidly, which is great for preventing rot but challenging for water retention. Mulching is highly recommended to preserve the moisture the soil does manage to capture.
Warmth and wealth in Zone 7a
As one of the few Ohio counties in Zone 7a, Lawrence County supports a longer growing season and warmer-weather plants. The massive organic content is a dream for heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers if the acidity is balanced. Leverage this natural fertility to build a thriving, productive home garden.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lawrence County have?
Lawrence County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 44% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lawrence County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lawrence County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lawrence County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lawrence County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lawrence County's soil?
Based on Lawrence County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Lawrence County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lawrence County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lawrence County
Soil Verdict
Lawrence County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Lawrence County is somewhat warmer than the Ohio statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lawrence 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.