Schuylkill County Soil Data
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Classic Appalachian Acidic Soils
Schuylkill County has an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.09. This tracks closely with the state average of 5.22 but remains much lower than the national median of 6.5.
Balanced Silty Soil Profile
The soil mix contains 37.2% silt and 29.9% sand, creating a balanced silty texture. With 13.0% clay, the soil offers moderate structure and reasonable nutrient retention for farming.
Rich Organic Matter Reserves
Organic matter is a standout feature at 16.32%, comfortably beating the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.155 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm.
Standard Regional Drainage Patterns
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the composition suggests a fairly standard drainage profile for the region. The high organic matter helps keep the soil sponge-like, absorbing rain efficiently.
Reliable Growing in Zone 6b
Zone 6b provides a reliable window for a variety of traditional Pennsylvania crops. From sweet corn to orchard fruits, the high-fertility soil is ready for productive use.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Schuylkill County have?
Schuylkill County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 37% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Schuylkill County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Schuylkill County.
What crops or plants grow well in Schuylkill County's soil?
Based on Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Schuylkill County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Schuylkill County
Soil Verdict
Schuylkill County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Schuylkill County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. 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 Schuylkill 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.