Clinton County Soil Data
Clinton County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
9.9%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Clinton County, Pennsylvania
Productive Alfisols of Central PA
Clinton County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.16, which is nearly identical to the state average of 5.22. These soils are more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for optimal crop production.
Classic Silt Loam Texture
A silt loam texture dominates the landscape, featuring 42.7% silt, 27.6% sand, and 15.2% clay. This balanced composition offers excellent workability and enough structure to support heavy-feeding crops.
Steady Moisture and Nutrient Stores
The soil contains 9.89% organic matter, falling just below the state average but remaining well above the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.130 in/in provides a reliable moisture reservoir for local agriculture.
Well-Drained Agricultural Land
Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils manage rainfall efficiently. This makes the county ideal for diverse farming as the land naturally resists waterlogging.
Cool Weather Favorites in 6b
Hardiness zone 6b allows for a productive season of apples, peaches, and cool-weather vegetables. With such well-drained silt loam, your backyard garden has a professional-grade foundation.
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
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 Clinton County have?
Clinton County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 43% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clinton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clinton 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 Clinton County?
Clinton 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 Clinton County's soil?
Based on Clinton 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 Clinton County?
Clinton County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clinton County
Soil Verdict
Clinton 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
Clinton 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 Clinton 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.