Warren County Soil Data
Warren County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Coarse sand
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Warren County, Ohio
Warren's Versatile Entisol Profile
Warren County’s soil averages a pH of 6.27, making it slightly more acidic than the 6.5 national median but more neutral than the state average. These Entisols provide a flexible base for a variety of land uses. It is a productive soil that sits comfortably above the state average score at 68.5.
Coarse Sand and Silt Mix
The dominant texture here is coarse sand, backed by a significant 54.5% silt and 20.3% clay content. While 'coarse' implies larger particles, the high silt percentage ensures the soil can still retain necessary nutrients. This blend allows for quick warming in the spring, which extends the effective growing season.
Superior Water Retention Properties
Warren County excels in available water capacity at 0.201 in/in, which is much higher than the state average of 0.186. Despite a lower organic matter content of 2.30%, the soil’s ability to hold water protects crops during dry spells. This makes it a resilient choice for both lawns and local agriculture.
Well Drained for Easy Building
Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group A, this soil allows water to move through the profile rapidly. This is a major advantage for home construction and basement longevity, as it minimizes hydrostatic pressure. Farmers also benefit from being able to get equipment into fields sooner after rain.
Ready to Plant in Zone 6b
The mild winters of zone 6b combined with high water capacity make Warren County excellent for fruit trees and perennials. The soil is ready for intensive gardening, provided you add some compost to boost the organic matter. It’s an ideal environment for establishing a lush, green landscape.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Coarse sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Warren County have?
Warren County's soil is classified as Coarse sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 55% silt, and 20% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Warren County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Warren County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Warren County?
Warren County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Warren County's soil?
Based on Warren County's Coarse sand texture, pH of 6.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Warren County?
Warren 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Warren County
Soil Verdict
Warren 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
Warren County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Warren 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.