Summit County Soil Data
Summit County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Summit County, Ohio
Summit's Acidic Character
Summit County soils average a pH of 5.63, falling below the state average and the national 6.5 median. This level of acidity is common in northeastern Ohio but may require management for high-yield vegetable production.
Fine Silt and Sand
The soil is composed of 50.1% silt and 29.8% sand, with a lower clay content of 16.1%. This creates a crumbly texture that is easy to dig, though the lower clay levels mean it may hold fewer nutrients naturally.
Strong Organic Foundation
At 5.40% organic matter, Summit outperforms the state average of 4.85%, providing a boost to plant health. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is also slightly above the state average, offering good drought resilience.
Monitoring Surface Flow
Specific drainage classifications are not currently available for the county. However, the high silt and sand levels suggest that the soil generally drains well, provided it is protected from compaction.
Garden Readiness in 6b
The 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide range of gardening possibilities from spring through late fall. Leverage the high organic matter in Summit to grow vibrant ornamental gardens or a hearty supply of summer vegetables.
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 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Summit County have?
Summit County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 50% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Summit County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Summit County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Summit County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Summit County.
What crops or plants grow well in Summit County's soil?
Based on Summit County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Summit County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Summit County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Summit County
Soil Verdict
Summit County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Summit County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Summit 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.