Blair County Soil Data
Blair County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Blair County, Pennsylvania
Typical central Pennsylvania acidity
Blair County has an average soil pH of 5.34, which is close to the state average of 5.22. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-loving forest species and crops. Specific taxonomic orders are not currently recorded for the county.
A silty profile with moderate sand
The soil contains 43.5% silt and 30.1% sand, making it relatively balanced for a variety of uses. Clay makes up 17.4% of the profile, providing enough body to hold nutrients without sealing off air. This combination supports the diverse valleys and ridges found throughout the county.
Strong organic matter levels
Organic matter is impressive at 7.72%, which is nearly four times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in is below the state average of 0.151 in/in. Plants may need extra attention during dry periods because the soil doesn't hold moisture as well as its neighbors.
Evaluating drainage for mountain gardening
No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is provided for this county. The high sand and silt content often implies that drainage is adequate for most residential landscaping. If you are in a valley, check for seasonal high water tables that might affect root growth.
Hardy gardening in zone 6b
The zone 6b climate is perfect for perennial herbs, hardy roses, and spring bulbs. Given the high organic matter, your soil is already well-primed for a successful garden project. Try planting some native mountain laurels to celebrate the local environment.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Blair County have?
Blair County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 44% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Blair County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Blair County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Blair County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Blair County.
What crops or plants grow well in Blair County's soil?
Based on Blair County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Blair County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Blair County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Blair County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Pennsylvania
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.