Venango County Soil Data
Venango County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Venango County, Pennsylvania
Acidic Foundations in Venango
Venango County's soil pH sits at 5.17, aligning closely with the statewide average of 5.22. These acidic conditions are far below the national median of 6.5, often necessitating soil amendments for vegetable gardening.
Silt-Driven Soil Structure
The soil consists of 43.5% silt and 24.4% sand, creating a medium-textured base. This mix provides a stable structure, though the 14.3% clay content is enough to help the ground retain moisture during dry spells.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter levels reach 12.50%, which matches the state average and dwarfs the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is slightly lower than the state's 0.151 average.
Testing Local Drainage
Detailed drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county's soil profile. Landowners should conduct percolation tests before planning any major drainage or construction projects to avoid runoff issues.
Fruit and Veggie Ready
Zone 6a conditions favor cool-season vegetables and hearty fruit trees that can handle acidic soils. With organic matter levels this high, your garden has a great head start for the growing season.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Venango County have?
Venango County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 43% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Venango County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Venango 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 Venango County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Venango County.
What crops or plants grow well in Venango County's soil?
Based on Venango County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Venango County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Venango County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Venango County
Soil Verdict
Venango 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
Venango County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Venango 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.