Tioga County Soil Data
Tioga County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
18.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tioga County, Pennsylvania
Acidic and Ancient Soils
Tioga County features a soil pH of 5.33, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly milder than the state average of 5.22, suggesting typical Pennsylvania forest soil characteristics.
A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix
A balanced mix of 31.9% sand and 37.5% silt creates a versatile foundation for local land use. The 13.4% clay content helps with nutrient retention without making the ground too heavy to work by hand.
Superior Nutrient Storage
Fertility levels are exceptional, as the 17.97% organic matter content significantly beats the state average of 12.14%. With an available water capacity of 0.183 in/in, these soils store moisture efficiently for crop growth.
Monitoring Water Retention
Official records do not currently specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. Local observers should monitor for standing water, especially given the soil's high water capacity compared to the state average.
Berries Thrive in Tioga
Hardiness Zone 6a supports a variety of berries and hardy perennials that thrive in nutrient-rich earth. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the state's highest organic matter levels.
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 Tioga County have?
Tioga County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 37% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tioga County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tioga County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Tioga County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tioga County.
What crops or plants grow well in Tioga County's soil?
Based on Tioga County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Tioga County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tioga County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tioga 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.