Schuylkill County Soil Data
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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.