Fayette County Soil Data
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
31.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Deeply Acidic Highlands Soil
Fayette County presents a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.17, falling below the state average of 5.22. This level is sharply lower than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime adjustments for most traditional garden crops.
Low Clay and Silt-Rich Mix
The soil is comprised of 42.5% silt and 21.3% sand, creating a medium-textured ground. With a relatively low clay content of 12.8%, the soil avoids the heavy, sticky characteristics found in more clay-dense Pennsylvania regions.
Unusually High Organic Matter
Fayette boasts a massive 31.03% organic matter content, nearly triple the state average of 12.14%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.098 in/in, meaning the soil may dry out faster than expected.
Managing Rapid Moisture Loss
The combination of high organic matter and low water capacity suggests a soil that is porous but struggles to hold onto deep reserves. Proper irrigation is essential in Fayette to support plant life during dry spells.
Hardy Planting in Zone 6b
Zone 6b temperatures and rich organic soils support a variety of hardy perennials and vegetables. Consider adding mulch to help your garden retain moisture despite the naturally low water capacity of the soil.
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
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 Fayette County have?
Fayette County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 42% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fayette 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 Fayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fayette County's soil?
Based on Fayette County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Fayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fayette County
Soil Verdict
Fayette 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
Fayette County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fayette 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.