Somerset County Soil Data
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
22.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Typical Acidic Highland Soils
Somerset County soil averages a pH of 5.14, which is very close to the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. It is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime.
Erosion-Prone Silty Mixtures
The soil contains 40.9% silt and 24.1% sand, with a 13.0% clay component. This blend creates a silty medium that is generally easy to till but can be prone to erosion on slopes.
High Carbon, Low Water Storage
Organic matter is very high at 22.79%, nearly doubling the state average. Surprisingly, the available water capacity is low at 0.111 in/in, suggesting moisture drains through faster than average.
Rapid Moisture Movement
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the low water capacity suggests water moves quickly through the profile. This can be a challenge during dry summers despite the high silt content.
Resilient Plants for Zone 6a
In hardiness zone 6a, Somerset is well-suited for cool-weather crops and resilient perennials. The high organic matter provides a fantastic foundation for a thriving home garden.
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 Somerset County have?
Somerset County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 41% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Somerset County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Somerset 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 Somerset County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Somerset County.
What crops or plants grow well in Somerset County's soil?
Based on Somerset 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 Somerset County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Somerset County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Somerset County
Soil Verdict
Somerset County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Somerset County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Somerset 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.