Preble County Soil Data
Preble County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Preble County, Ohio
Near Neutral Soils in Preble
Preble County maintains an average pH of 6.48, making it nearly identical to the national median and much less acidic than the state average. While formal taxonomic classifications are limited in current records, the pH levels indicate a highly productive environment.
High Silt and Moderate Clay
The local soil consists of 53.2% silt and 21.1% clay, which suggests a fine-textured earth that holds nutrients well. With 25.7% sand, the soil remains porous enough to prevent heavy crusting.
Superior Water Storage Capacity
The organic matter content of 2.25% is lower than the state average, but still beats the national average. This is bolstered by an impressive water capacity of 0.205 in/in, which is among the highest in the region.
Stable Moisture Management
While specific drainage classes are not currently classified in the regional data, the high water capacity suggests the soil acts as a significant reservoir. This typically means a steady supply of moisture for deep-rooted crops throughout the summer.
A Top-Tier Soil Score
Preble County earns a high soil score of 75.0, well above the Ohio average of 66.0. Residents in zone 6a can feel confident starting a garden that will produce high yields of vegetables and grains.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Preble County have?
Preble County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 53% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Preble County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Preble County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Preble County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Preble County.
What crops or plants grow well in Preble County's soil?
Based on Preble County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Preble County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Preble County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Preble County
Soil Verdict
Preble County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Preble County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Preble 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.