Vinton County Soil Data
Vinton County, Ohio
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Vinton County, Ohio
Vinton's Acidic Entisol Foundation
Vinton County is dominated by Entisols with a sharp acidic profile, averaging a pH of 5.22. This is considerably lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Ohio average of 5.97. These young soils require careful management for traditional row cropping.
Silty Soils with Low Clay
The soil composition is 52.6% silt and only 18.1% clay, creating a smooth but potentially erodible structure. While specific dominant texture data is limited, the 24.7% sand content provides some internal spacing. This mix suggests a soil that is easy to till but may struggle with structural integrity under heavy rain.
Rich Organic Matter in the Hills
Vinton boasts an organic matter level of 4.64%, which is more than double the national average and near the state benchmark of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is lower than the state average. This means while the soil is nutrient-rich, it may dry out faster than neighbor counties.
Variable Drainage and Hydrology
Official drainage class data is currently limited for Vinton, requiring localized testing for building or large-scale farming. The high silt content usually implies moderate permeability, but the topography often dictates how water moves. Gardeners should monitor for runoff on slopes.
Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 6b
In hardiness zone 6b, the naturally acidic soil is perfect for blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. While the soil score of 47.5 is lower than the state average, localized gardens can thrive with lime applications. Vinton's high organic matter provides a great head start for forest-based agriculture.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Vinton County have?
Vinton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 53% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Vinton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vinton County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Vinton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Vinton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Vinton County's soil?
Based on Vinton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Vinton County?
Vinton County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Vinton 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.