Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Channery silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
18.4%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Weathered Ultisols of the Poconos
Monroe County is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils characterized by an average pH of 4.87. This makes it one of the most acidic counties in the state, well below the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. Most gardeners will find that regular applications of lime are necessary to unlock soil nutrients.
Channery Silt Loam Textures
The dominant texture is a channery silt loam, composed of 35.1% silt, 29.5% sand, and 12.7% clay. The term 'channery' refers to the thin, flat rock fragments often found throughout the soil, which can impact digging and tillage. This mix provides moderate structural stability while remaining relatively light and manageable.
High Organic Matter and Water Retention
Monroe features a robust organic matter content of 18.35%, significantly higher than the state average of 12.14%. This is paired with an impressive available water capacity of 0.182 in/in, which is among the highest in the region. These qualities make the soil exceptionally resilient during short droughts.
Well Drained and Rapidly Absorbing
The county's soils are primarily well drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This means the ground absorbs rainfall quickly, minimizing surface runoff and making it ideal for residential development and gardening. You won't often find standing water here, but you may need to water more frequently in sandy patches.
Thriving in the Zone 6b Uplands
The 6b climate and high water retention make Monroe a fantastic place for moisture-loving perennials and forest-edge crops. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries thrive naturally in these Poconos soils. It is a perfect setting for a lush, woodland-style garden that embraces the local terrain.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Channery silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Channery silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 35% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Monroe County?
Monroe County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Channery silt loam texture, pH of 4.9, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Monroe County?
Monroe County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.