Baxter County Soil Data
Baxter County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
19.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Baxter County, Arkansas
Ozark Acidity in Baxter County
Baxter County soils are quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.38 compared to the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data for the dominant order is limited, the acidity suggests a landscape shaped by forest cover and weathered rock. Most local gardeners find that adding lime is essential for balancing the soil for vegetables.
A Light and Silt-Heavy Profile
The soil composition is relatively light, featuring 33.4% silt and 29.3% sand. With only 10.9% clay, these soils are easy to work and less likely to become sticky or clumpy during the rainy season. This low clay content means the soil may require more frequent fertilization, as it has less surface area to hold onto nutrients.
Unrivaled Organic Richness
At a staggering 19.86%, the organic matter content here is nearly five times the Arkansas average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in, meaning moisture drains away quickly despite the high carbon content. This unique combination suggests a soil that is incredibly nutrient-rich but prone to drying out.
Limited Drainage Data for Baxter
Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for this specific region. However, the high sand and silt percentages usually point toward rapid water movement through the profile. Local observation of runoff during heavy Ozark rains is the best way to determine your specific site's behavior.
Thriving in the Ozark Zone 7b
Baxter County sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, making it ideal for apples, pears, and hardy root vegetables. A soil score of 43.1 indicates high potential, well above the state average of 37.7. Focus on mulching to preserve moisture in this high-organic soil and you will see impressive results.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Baxter County have?
Baxter County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 33% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Baxter County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Baxter County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Baxter County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Baxter County.
What crops or plants grow well in Baxter County's soil?
Based on Baxter County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Baxter County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Baxter County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Baxter County
Soil Verdict
Baxter County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Baxter County is somewhat cooler than the Arkansas statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Baxter County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Arkansas
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.