Westmoreland County Soil Data
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
22.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Westmoreland's acidic silty clay loam
With a pH of 5.29, the county's soil is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but remains near the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. This silty clay loam lacks a recorded taxonomic order in recent surveys but defines the region's heavy, fine-textured earth.
High silt levels define the local mix
The soil consists of 50.1% silt and 16.1% clay, creating a dense structure that holds nutrients effectively. While the 21.9% sand content provides some aeration, the high silt levels require careful management to avoid surface compaction.
Exceptional organic matter fuels growth potential
Westmoreland boasts a staggering 22.28% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 12.14% and far exceeding the national 2.0% baseline. Although the available water capacity of 0.125 in/in is slightly below the state average, the rich nutrient profile supports intense biological activity.
Reliable drainage for local landscapes
The county's soil is classified as well-drained, which helps prevent waterlogging during heavy Pennsylvania rains. While specific hydrologic group data is currently unavailable, this natural drainage class makes the land versatile for both farming and gardening.
Gardening success in Hardiness Zone 6b
Situated in USDA zone 6b, Westmoreland is perfect for cool-weather crops like kale and hardy perennials. The rich organic matter provides an incredible foundation for productivity, so grab your shovel and start a garden today.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay 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 Westmoreland County have?
Westmoreland County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 50% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Westmoreland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County?
Westmoreland County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Westmoreland County's soil?
Based on Westmoreland County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Westmoreland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Westmoreland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Westmoreland County
Soil Verdict
Westmoreland County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Westmoreland County closely matches the Pennsylvania average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Westmoreland 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.