Medina County Soil Data
Medina County, Ohio
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
5.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Medina County, Ohio
Acidic Alfisols of the North
Medina County features Alfisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.87. This makes the soil slightly more acidic than the state average and well below the national median of 6.5. These soils are typical for the region, representing millions of years of glacial and forest development.
Silty Soils with Good Workability
The soil contains a high silt percentage of 51.5% and a sand content of 26.9%. Clay makes up only 17.4% of the mix, which makes the soil relatively easy to work and till. However, the high silt content means the soil can become dusty or compacted if worked when too dry.
Above Average Organic Matter Levels
Medina's organic matter content is 5.55%, which is notably higher than the Ohio average of 4.85%. The available water capacity is 0.189 in/in, also beating the state average. This indicates a fertile foundation capable of supporting vigorous plant growth and holding onto moisture.
Managing Moderately Well Drained Earth
The soil is classified as moderately well drained and falls into hydrologic group D. Group D soils typically have low infiltration rates, meaning they can shed water quickly during heavy rain. This requires careful erosion control and mindful landscape planning for home drainage.
Zone 6a Gardeners Can Flourish
USDA Hardiness Zone 6a provides a stable climate for everything from pumpkins to perennials. The soil's high organic matter is perfect for raised bed gardening and traditional row crops alike. Local gardeners should feel confident planting a wide variety of Ohio favorites this spring.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
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 Medina County have?
Medina County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 52% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Medina County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Medina County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Medina County?
Medina County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Medina County's soil?
Based on Medina County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.9, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Medina County?
Medina County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Medina 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.