Indiana County Soil Data
Indiana County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
24.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Indiana County, Pennsylvania
High-Acidity Soils in Indiana
Indiana County features a very acidic average pH of 5.13, which is lower than both the state average of 5.22 and the national median of 6.5. This level suggests the soil is naturally well-suited for acid-loving native plants.
Heavy Silt and Low Sand
With 46.3% silt and only 24.5% sand, these soils can feel silky but may pack down tightly. The 14.0% clay content is relatively low, which helps prevent the soil from becoming a heavy, unworkable mass.
Rich Carbon but Low Water
The county has an impressive 24.15% organic matter, doubling the Pennsylvania average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is quite low, indicating that water drains through the organic material quickly.
Thirsty Soils Despite High Organic Content
A soil score of 40.0 reflects challenges in moisture management across the county. The low water capacity means that even though the soil is carbon-rich, it requires frequent irrigation to keep plants hydrated.
Greening Up in Zone 6b
In USDA Zone 6b, Indiana County is a great place for rhododendrons and blueberries that love acidic, organic-rich earth. Just remember to keep the hose handy to support your plants during dry Pennsylvania summers.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Indiana County have?
Indiana County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 46% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Indiana County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Indiana County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Indiana County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Indiana County.
What crops or plants grow well in Indiana County's soil?
Based on Indiana County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Indiana County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Indiana County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Indiana County
Soil Verdict
Indiana 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
Indiana County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Indiana 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.