Wood County Soil Data
Wood County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Wood County, Ohio
Wood County’s Neutral Loam
Wood County boasts an Inceptisol soil with a pH of 6.56, making it one of the most neutral soils in Ohio. This exceeds the national median of 6.5 and is far above the state average of 5.97. This pH level is a gold standard for nutrient availability and plant health.
Sandy Loam with High Porosity
The soil is a loam composed of 48.9% sand, 31.2% silt, and 18.8% clay. This high sand fraction creates large pore spaces that are excellent for root aeration. The balanced mix ensures the soil doesn't become too heavy or difficult to cultivate during the wet season.
Consistent Fertility and Water Use
At 3.24%, the organic matter is lower than the state average but remains healthy for agricultural production. The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark, meaning irrigation might be beneficial during dry August weeks. Despite this, the neutral pH provides a massive boost to overall fertility.
Managing Poorly Drained Loams
The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and falls into the B/D hydrologic group. This indicates that while the soil has good potential, it can hold onto water too long if the water table is high. Many areas here benefit from tile drainage to maximize their high agricultural potential.
Thriving in the 6b Hardiness Zone
In zone 6b, Wood County is perfect for a wide range of vegetables and ornamental plants that crave neutral soil. You won't need much lime here, saving you time and money on garden prep. It’s a premium location for anyone looking to grow high-quality produce or a lush lawn.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: 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 Wood County have?
Wood County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 31% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wood County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wood County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Wood County?
Wood County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Wood County's soil?
Based on Wood County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Wood County?
Wood County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wood County
Soil Verdict
Wood 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
Wood 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 Wood 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.