Ottawa County Soil Data
Ottawa County, Ohio
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ottawa County, Ohio
Ottawa County’s alkaline soil profile
Ottawa County features an average pH of 6.60, making it one of the few areas in Ohio that exceeds the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is higher than the state average of 5.97, creating a favorable environment for many specialized crops. The unique lake-influenced environment contributes to this distinct soil chemistry.
Balanced sand and silt mix
The soil is composed of 37.5% sand, 37.7% silt, and 24.8% clay, offering a more even distribution than many neighboring counties. This high sand content improves drainage and aeration compared to the silt-heavy soils common elsewhere in Ohio. The clay fraction remains high enough to provide the necessary structure for plant support.
Lower water capacity but solid score
Available water capacity stands at 0.169 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in. Organic matter content is 3.34%, trailing the state average but still providing a healthy base for microbial activity. Overall, the county achieves a soil score of 66.3, matching the state average exactly.
Understanding lake-adjacent hydrology
While dominant drainage classes are not specified in this dataset, the higher sand content generally suggests better-than-average permeability for the region. Because Ottawa County borders Lake Erie, localized water tables can vary significantly based on proximity to the shore. Site-level testing is recommended for any drainage or foundation planning.
Gardening by the lake in zone 6b
The lake-moderated climate of hardiness zone 6b is famous for supporting orchards and vineyards. With a favorable pH of 6.60, this soil is ready-made for many vegetables and fruit trees that struggle in more acidic soils. It is an excellent place to establish a productive home garden or a small commercial plot.
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 Ottawa County have?
Ottawa County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 38% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ottawa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ottawa County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Ottawa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ottawa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ottawa County's soil?
Based on Ottawa County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Ottawa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ottawa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ottawa 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.