Snyder County Soil Data
Snyder County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
6.3%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Snyder County, Pennsylvania
Silt Loam Entisol Profile
Snyder County soil is characterized by Entisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.14. This acidity is typical for the state but considerably lower than the national median of 6.5.
Fine Texture and Clay Hold
The soil is 46.1% silt and 30.2% sand, providing a fine feel when dry. A clay content of 16.3% helps the soil maintain its shape and hold onto necessary minerals for plants.
Healthy Organic Foundation
At 6.28%, organic matter is lower than the 12.14% state average but remains high compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. The water capacity of 0.147 in/in is just under the state average.
Managing Saturated Silt Loams
These soils are very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This indicates a high risk of saturated roots, making drainage tile or raised beds a smart investment.
Productive Soils for Zone 6b
Zone 6b offers a solid environment for mid-season vegetables and grains. With the right drainage, Snyder’s silt loams are highly productive for backyard gardens.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt 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 Snyder County have?
Snyder County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 46% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Snyder County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Snyder 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 Snyder County?
Snyder County has a dominant drainage class of "Very poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Snyder County's soil?
Based on Snyder County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.1, and Very poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Snyder County?
Snyder County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Snyder County
Soil Verdict
Snyder 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
Snyder County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Snyder 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.