Montgomery County Soil Data
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Suburban Soils with Moderate Acidity
Montgomery County features an average soil pH of 5.14, which sits just below the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22. This acidic profile is typical for the region but remains much lower than the national median of 6.5. Consistent soil testing is a staple for local homeowners looking to maintain healthy green lawns or gardens.
Silty Loams with Solid Structure
The soil composition is 45.1% silt and 26.9% sand, with a 14.5% clay component providing necessary structure. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and helps it hold onto nutrients better than sandy soils. However, heavy foot traffic or construction can easily lead to soil compaction in these silty profiles.
Lower Organic Matter Than State Peers
At 2.26%, Montgomery's organic matter is much lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 12.14%, though it still beats the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.151 in/in. Adding compost or organic mulch is the best way to improve these numbers for local gardening.
Variable Drainage in the Schuylkill Valley
Standardized drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently available for the dominant soils of the county. In this heavily developed area, drainage is often influenced as much by urban infrastructure as by natural soil type. Always check for local grading issues and runoff patterns before starting a new planting project.
Extended Seasons in Zone 7a
Montgomery County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, benefiting from a longer and warmer growing season than most of the state. This allows for success with long-season crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and late-blooming flowers. Your backyard has great potential; just focus on boosting that organic matter to see your garden truly flourish.
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 Montgomery County have?
Montgomery County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 45% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montgomery County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Montgomery County.
What crops or plants grow well in Montgomery County's soil?
Based on Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Montgomery County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Montgomery 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.