Richland County Soil Data
Richland County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Richland County, Ohio
Richland's Typical Ohio Soil
Richland County's soil average pH is 5.80, closely tracking the state average of 5.97. While specific soil order data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a standard temperate forest soil history.
Consistent Silty Texture
With 52.0% silt and 27.5% sand, the soil has a reliable texture for most residential and agricultural uses. The 17.0% clay content is enough to help bind soil particles without making it too difficult to dig.
Strong Organic Matter Content
Organic matter is a strong suit here at 4.64%, nearly matching the high Ohio state average. The available water capacity is 0.185 in/in, which is essentially on par with the state average of 0.186.
Standard Water Handling
Though formal drainage classes are not listed in recent surveys, the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate permeability. This usually means the land supports a wide range of uses from landscaping to small-scale farming.
Garden Readiness in Zone 6a
With a 62.7 soil score and 6a hardiness, Richland County is ready for spring planting. The high organic matter means you can grow a lush, healthy garden with minimal initial soil amendments.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Richland County have?
Richland 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 Richland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Richland County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Richland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Richland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Richland County's soil?
Based on Richland County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Richland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Richland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Richland County
Soil Verdict
Richland 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
Richland County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Richland 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.