Luzerne County Soil Data
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
19.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Acidic and rich mountain soils
Luzerne County has an average soil pH of 5.08, which is more acidic than both the state average of 5.22 and the national median of 6.5. The county achieves a soil score of 56.5, indicating it is higher quality than the state average of 46.3. This soil provides a robust, if acidic, foundation for growth.
Silty texture with low clay content
The soil is comprised of 38.2% silt, 27.6% sand, and a low 12.7% clay. This light texture allows for good aeration and easy root penetration for young seedlings. However, the low clay means you may need to monitor nutrient levels more closely.
High organic matter and water storage
Luzerne boasts an impressive 19.30% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.184 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.151 in/in. This makes the soil naturally sponge-like and extremely fertile.
Natural moisture management
Drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. Given the high organic matter and silt, the soil likely retains moisture well without becoming a heavy bog. Always check for low-lying areas where water might collect before planting large trees.
Diverse planting in Zone 6b
Falling in Zone 6b, Luzerne County is perfect for a wide variety of vegetables and temperate fruits. The high water capacity and organic richness make it a dream for organic gardeners who want to minimize irrigation. Start your garden today to capitalize on these fertile mountain soils.
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 Luzerne County have?
Luzerne County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 38% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Luzerne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Luzerne 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 Luzerne County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Luzerne County.
What crops or plants grow well in Luzerne County's soil?
Based on Luzerne 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 Luzerne County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Luzerne County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Luzerne County
Soil Verdict
Luzerne 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
Luzerne 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 Luzerne 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.