Shelby County Soil Data
Shelby County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Shelby County, Ohio
Neutral Soils in Shelby
Shelby County soil is nearly neutral with a pH of 6.43, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. This high pH relative to the state average of 5.97 makes it some of the most versatile soil in Ohio for diverse gardening.
Heavy Silt and Clay
With 50.6% silt and 23.4% clay, these soils have a dense texture that excels at holding nutrients. The mix provides a stable foundation for crops but can become heavy and difficult to till if worked while too wet.
Top-Tier Water Capacity
Shelby features a very high available water capacity of 0.203 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average. Although organic matter is lower at 3.24%, the soil's ability to store water helps gardens thrive during heat waves.
Patience with Drainage
While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the higher clay content suggests that water may move slowly through the profile. Gardeners should consider raised beds if they notice puddling after heavy Ohio thunderstorms.
Productive Zone 6a Seasons
Zone 6a offers a reliable window for growing everything from sweet corn to summer squash. The excellent water retention in Shelby means your plants will stay hydrated even when the rain stops falling.
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 Shelby County have?
Shelby County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 51% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shelby County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shelby County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Shelby County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Shelby County.
What crops or plants grow well in Shelby County's soil?
Based on Shelby County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Shelby County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shelby County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Shelby County
Soil Verdict
Shelby 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
Shelby County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Shelby 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.