Union County Soil Data
Union County, Pennsylvania
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
6.6%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Union County, Pennsylvania
Highly Acidic Entisols
Union County is characterized by Entisols with a pH of 5.16, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.22. This level is significantly lower than the 6.5 national median, often requiring lime for most commercial crops.
High-Silt Loam Textures
Silt loam is the primary texture, comprised of 46.5% silt and 16.5% clay. This high silt content ensures a smooth texture that holds onto essential nutrients and water better than sandy soils.
Solid Moisture Capacity
The organic matter content of 6.60% is lower than the state's 12.14% average but still triples the national average. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity remains above the state norm at 0.160 in/in.
Managing Saturated Soil
Soils here are classified as very poorly drained and fall into the B/D hydrologic group. This drainage profile presents challenges for traditional building and requires careful water management in commercial farming.
Moisture-Loving Crop Success
Located in Zone 6b, Union County offers a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. Local gardeners succeed with moisture-loving crops like elderberries or specialized wetland-edge plants.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Union County have?
Union County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 47% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Union County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Union County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Union County?
Union 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 Union County's soil?
Based on Union County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Union County?
Union 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Union 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.