Centre County Soil Data
Centre County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Centre County, Pennsylvania
Typical Pennsylvania acidity in the center
Centre County soil has a pH of 5.13, which is very close to the state average of 5.22. This is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait in the state's ridge and valley region. While taxonomic orders aren't specified, the chemistry suggests a typical Appalachian soil profile.
A balanced silty composition
The mineral makeup includes 29.7% sand, 39.5% silt, and 15.2% clay. This balanced distribution provides good structure and moderate nutrient retention. The silt and clay levels are high enough to maintain moisture without the extreme heaviness found in high-clay regions.
Strong organic matter for healthy crops
Organic matter stands at 12.96%, which is above the state average of 12.14% and much higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.134 inches per inch, indicating the soil holds slightly less water than the state average of 0.151. This makes the soil naturally fertile but potentially prone to drying in late summer.
Observe your local water flow
There is no current data for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in Centre County. Given the limestone valleys and sandstone ridges, drainage can vary wildly within a few miles. Homeowners should check for limestone sinkholes or clay lenses that might affect how water leaves their property.
A versatile climate in Zone 6b
Centre County's location in Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide range of vegetables and ornamentals. The high organic matter provides a great head start for heavy feeders like corn and squash. Get outside and start planting in the heart of the Commonwealth.
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 Centre County have?
Centre County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 40% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Centre County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Centre County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Centre County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Centre County.
What crops or plants grow well in Centre County's soil?
Based on Centre County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Centre County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Centre County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Centre 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.