Perry County Soil Data
Perry 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 Perry County, Pennsylvania
Classic Acidic Pennsylvania Soils
Perry County features an acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.36. While this is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.22, it remains notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Silty Texture for Easy Tilling
A blend of 44.6% silt and 28.3% sand creates a medium-textured base with 16.6% clay. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable for this county, this mixture typically offers a balanced environment for root penetration.
High Organic Matter, Lower Water
The soil boasts 8.87% organic matter, nearly quadrupling the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.151, meaning plants may need supplemental watering.
Local Runoff and Drainage Needs
Without specific drainage class data, growers should watch for local runoff patterns during heavy rains. The moderate clay content suggests decent nutrient retention, though builders should conduct site-specific percolation tests.
Thriving in Warm Zone 7a
The county sits in hardiness zone 7a, a warmer pocket that extends the growing season. It is a prime location for peppers, tomatoes, and even slightly tender perennials.
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 Perry County have?
Perry 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 Perry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perry 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 Perry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Perry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Perry County's soil?
Based on Perry 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 Perry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Perry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Perry County
Soil Verdict
Perry County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Perry County is somewhat warmer than the Pennsylvania statewide average. 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 Perry 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.