Butler County Soil Data
Butler County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
5.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Butler County, Pennsylvania
Silt loams and acidic Entisols
Butler County features a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the Entisols taxonomic order. With a pH of 5.18, these soils are more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This combination indicates relatively young soil that may require pH adjustments for optimal crop yields.
Silt-heavy composition aids workability
The soil mix consists of 27.1% sand, 47.4% silt, and 16.5% clay. This high silt-to-clay ratio creates a fertile medium that holds moisture well while remaining easy to till. It provides a better balance for nutrient retention than more sandy neighboring regions.
Superior water capacity boosts growth
Butler's available water capacity of 0.161 inches per inch beats the state average of 0.151, providing a buffer during dry spells. Organic matter stands at 5.48%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. These factors combine to create a highly productive environment for local agriculture.
Well-drained soil with high runoff potential
The soil is classified as well-drained, which is ideal for root health and preventing rot. However, it belongs to Hydrologic Group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Farmers and builders should implement erosion controls to manage water flow during heavy Pennsylvania rains.
Gardening in the heart of Zone 6a
Butler County is in Hardiness Zone 6a, making it ideal for hardy perennials and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. The well-drained silt loam provides an excellent foundation for diverse planting. Now is the perfect time to prep your beds for a bountiful harvest.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Butler County have?
Butler County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 47% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Butler County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Butler 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 Butler County?
Butler 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 Butler County's soil?
Based on Butler County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.2, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Butler County?
Butler 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: Butler County
Soil Verdict
Butler County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Butler County closely matches the Pennsylvania 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 Butler 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.