Mercer County Soil Data
Mercer County, Ohio
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mercer County, Ohio
Balanced pH for Agricultural Success
Mercer County's soil has a pH of 6.31, placing it near the national median of 6.5. This is considerably higher than the state average of 5.97, offering a versatile chemical base for various crops. The lack of specific taxonomic data doesn't hide the fact that this is high-performing soil.
High Clay and Silt Concentration
The soil is a heavy mix of 46.5% silt and 25.6% clay, with 24.6% sand. This composition is excellent for retaining nutrients and moisture over the long term. However, the high clay content can make the soil difficult to work when it is either too wet or too dry.
Strong Fertility and Water Retention
Mercer County features a 5.16% organic matter content, which exceeds the state average of 4.85%. Even more impressive is the available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.186. This makes the soil highly resilient against drought and excellent for thirsty crops.
Hydrologic Realities in the Region
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high clay and water capacity suggest the soil stays moist for long durations. Managed drainage is often a necessity for commercial farming in this part of the state. Those building new homes should ensure their grading allows for proper water runoff.
Ideal Conditions for Zone 6a
The 6a hardiness zone and near-neutral pH make Mercer County a gardener's dream for vegetables and flowers. Heavy feeders like broccoli and cabbage will thrive in these moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich soils. Now is the perfect time to start planning a high-yield 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mercer County have?
Mercer County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 46% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mercer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mercer 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 Mercer County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mercer County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mercer County's soil?
Based on Mercer 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 Mercer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mercer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mercer 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.