Bradley County Soil Data
Bradley County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Bradley County, Arkansas
Bradley County's Silty Clay Loams
The dominant soil identity in Bradley County is silty clay loam, a heavy-bodied soil classified as Alfisols. At a pH of 5.27, these soils are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and sit below the state average of 5.56. This acidity must be managed carefully for optimal plant health.
High Sand and Clay Mix
This county has a unique profile of 55.4% sand and 13.9% clay, which is a surprisingly sandy mix for a silty clay loam classification. This suggests a varied soil landscape that can be difficult to work when it is too dry or too wet. The high sand content helps with initial water entry, but the clay can lead to surface crusting.
Standard Water Storage, Low Carbon
The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Arkansas state average of 0.148. However, organic matter is quite low at 1.57%, which can limit the natural fertility and soil structure. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the soil's ability to support life.
Slow Drainage and High Runoff
Classified as somewhat poorly drained and belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils have very slow infiltration rates. This means that during heavy rain, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in, which can cause erosion issues. Building foundations in this county require careful planning to manage moisture and potential soil shifting.
Patience Pays in Zone 8a
Bradley County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, a region famous for its 'Bradley Pink' tomatoes which thrive in this climate. The overall soil score of 24.4 is lower than the state average, meaning you may need to put in extra work with amendments. With the right care, this warm-zone soil can produce legendary harvests.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
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 Bradley County have?
Bradley County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 31% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bradley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bradley 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 Bradley County?
Bradley County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat 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 Bradley County's soil?
Based on Bradley County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.3, and Somewhat 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 Bradley County?
Bradley County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bradley County
Soil Verdict
Bradley County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Bradley County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bradley 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.