Fulton County Soil Data
Fulton County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fulton County, Pennsylvania
Fulton's High-Quality Acidic Soil
Fulton County earns a soil score of 50.8, significantly higher than the state average of 46.3. Its pH of 5.43 is relatively high for Pennsylvania, though still more acidic than the national 6.5 median.
Silt-Rich and Clay-Moderate Mix
The soil is 44.6% silt and 17.1% clay, a combination that provides good structure for root systems. The 27.8% sand content helps ensure the soil remains workable even after heavy rains.
Rich Organic Matter in Rural Fulton
Fulton's soil contains 8.94% organic matter, which is far superior to the national 2.0% average. Its water capacity of 0.150 in/in is almost exactly on par with the Pennsylvania state average.
Reliable Water Levels for Agriculture
The balanced silt and clay levels suggest the soil manages water effectively for most agricultural needs. This contributes to the county's strong overall soil score and its reputation for productive land.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b
The Zone 6b climate and high-quality soil make Fulton a great place for traditional vegetable gardening. With high organic matter already present, your plants have a head start on the growing season.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fulton County have?
Fulton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 45% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fulton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fulton 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 Fulton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fulton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fulton County's soil?
Based on Fulton 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 Fulton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fulton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fulton County
Soil Verdict
Fulton 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
Fulton County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fulton 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.