Tioga County Soil Data
Tioga County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Gravelly sandy loam
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
18.0%
Hydrologic Group
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
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tioga County have?
Tioga County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy 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?
Tioga County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Tioga County's soil?
Based on Tioga County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 5.3, and Somewhat excessively drained, 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?
Tioga County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Tioga County
Soil Verdict
Tioga 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
Tioga County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
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.