Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Slightly Sweeter Soils in Franklin
Franklin County's average pH of 5.36 is one of the higher readings in the state, exceeding the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. However, it still remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
A Balanced Silt and Sand Blend
The soil contains 43.1% silt and 30.8% sand, which provides a versatile texture for agriculture. A clay content of 16.6% adds enough body to retain nutrients without causing severe drainage issues.
Productive Ground with High Water Storage
With an available water capacity of 0.154 in/in, Franklin's soil holds more moisture than the state average. The organic matter content of 6.75% is triple the national average, fueling healthy plant growth.
Stable Moisture for Local Farms
The soil score of 48.8 indicates above-average quality for the state. This stability is driven by a texture that balances drainage and retention, making it ideal for both gardening and building.
Extended Growing in Zone 7a
As one of the warmer spots in the state, Zone 7a allows Franklin residents to grow long-season crops like peppers and tomatoes. Use this extra warmth to experiment with varieties that might struggle in cooler northern counties.
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 Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 43% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin 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 Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.