Pike County Soil Data
Pike County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
21.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pike County, Pennsylvania
Strongly Acidic Northern Soils
Pike County's soil is very acidic, measuring 4.76 on the pH scale. This is more acidic than the Pennsylvania average of 5.22 and much lower than the national median of 6.5.
Coarse and Gritty Sandy Mix
With 40.1% sand and only 8.4% clay, this soil is exceptionally coarse and gritty. The high sand content suggests rapid drainage but limited ability to hold onto chemical fertilizers.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
This soil is incredibly rich in organic matter at 21.95%, far exceeding the state average of 12.14%. This high carbon content drives a superior available water capacity of 0.180 in/in.
Quick-Drying Forest Ground
No formal drainage class is recorded, but the sandy nature points toward quick-drying conditions. This makes the land well-suited for forest growth and specific deep-rooted crops.
Cool-Hardy Potential in Zone 6a
Pike County falls into zone 6a, where cold-hardy berries and root vegetables perform well. The high organic content makes it a powerhouse for organic gardening once pH is addressed.
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 Pike County have?
Pike County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 23% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pike County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pike County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pike County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pike County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pike County's soil?
Based on Pike County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Pike County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pike County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pike 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.