Erie County Soil Data
Erie County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Acidic Lakefront Soils in Erie
Erie's soil features an average pH of 5.29, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While low compared to national standards, this acidity is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22.
Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working
The soil composition is dominated by 49.9% silt and 30.4% sand, providing a fine-grained texture that is relatively easy to till. A low clay content of 14.0% means the soil resists heavy compaction better than many other regions.
Strong Water Retention for Lake Crops
Organic matter sits at 6.88%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls below the state's high average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.166 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.151, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.
Moisture Management Near the Shore
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and moderate sand percentages suggest a profile that holds water well without becoming immediately swampy. Gardeners should monitor for saturation during heavy lake-effect rain events.
A Vineyard Paradise in Zone 6b
Falling in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Erie is famous for its grapes and tree fruits that thrive in these acidic, water-holding soils. Start your own vineyard or berry patch to take advantage of this unique lakefront climate.
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 Erie County have?
Erie County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 50% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Erie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Erie 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 Erie County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Erie County.
What crops or plants grow well in Erie County's soil?
Based on Erie 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 Erie County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Erie County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Erie 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.