Philadelphia County Soil Data
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Highly Acidic Urban Ground
Philadelphia County possesses highly acidic soil with a pH of 4.43, significantly lower than the 5.22 state average. This urban environment lacks specific taxonomic data but displays intense acidity compared to the 6.5 national median.
Compaction-Prone Silty Mix
The mix is relatively light on clay at 13.5%, while silt dominates at 42.0%. This composition suggests soil that is prone to compaction but easy to manipulate when properly moist.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter is lower here at 3.43%, though it still exceeds the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.142 in/in means the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state average.
Drainage Strategies for City Growers
While specific hydrologic data is missing, the high silt content often requires drainage improvements in urban settings. Gardeners should prioritize raised beds to bypass potential compaction and acidity issues.
Extended Season in Zone 7b
Zone 7b offers the state's longest, warmest growing season for city gardeners. Fig trees and heat-loving herbs thrive here if the soil acidity is managed with lime.
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 4.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Philadelphia County have?
Philadelphia County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 42% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Philadelphia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Philadelphia County's soil has a low pH of 4.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Philadelphia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Philadelphia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Philadelphia County's soil?
Based on Philadelphia County's Loam texture, pH of 4.4, 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 Philadelphia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Philadelphia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Philadelphia County
Soil Verdict
Philadelphia County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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. 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.
Regional Context
Philadelphia County is somewhat warmer than the Pennsylvania statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Philadelphia 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.