Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Channery silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Balanced Valley Alfisols
Cumberland County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.39, making it one of the least acidic counties in the region. This is higher than the state average of 5.22, though it remains below the national 6.5 median.
Channery Silt Loam Mix
The soil is a channery silt loam, made of 45.2% silt, 29.2% sand, and 16.8% clay. The presence of 'channery' stone fragments helps maintain soil structure and improves drainage in heavy rain.
Reliable Garden Performance
The available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing a stable moisture environment. Organic matter sits at 7.46%, which is healthy and well above the national 2.0% benchmark.
Optimized for Drainage
These soils are well-drained and belong to hydrologic group B, ensuring that water moves through the root zone at a moderate, healthy pace. This makes the county a prime location for both commercial agriculture and home landscaping.
Warmer Seasons in 7a
Hardiness zone 7a allows you to grow longer-season crops like peppers and sweet potatoes. The balanced pH and stone-flecked silt loam make Cumberland County a gardener’s paradise.
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: Channery silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Channery silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 45% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cumberland County?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland County's Channery silt loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Cumberland County?
Cumberland 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: Cumberland County
Soil Verdict
Cumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Cumberland County is somewhat warmer than the Pennsylvania statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cumberland 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.