Cross County Soil Data
Cross County, Arkansas
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cross County, Arkansas
Acidic silt loams define the region
Cross County features an average pH of 5.67, which is typical for Arkansas but below the national median of 6.5. This acidity level generally supports forest growth and specific agricultural crops like rice. Producers often apply lime to balance the soil for more sensitive garden plants.
Silt-rich profile for smooth workability
Silt dominates the soil at 58.3%, the highest fraction in the mix, followed by 21.8% clay and 19.9% sand. This high silt concentration provides a smooth, flour-like texture that is very easy to work for tillage. However, this composition can be prone to erosion if left uncovered by vegetation.
Exceptional water storage capacity
The available water capacity is a robust 0.191 in/in, significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 0.148 in/in. While organic matter is low at 1.47%, the soil’s ability to hold water makes it highly productive. This creates a resilient environment for crops during the hot summer months.
Managing water on the landscape
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently limited for this county. Given the extremely high silt content, the soil likely holds moisture well but may suffer from surface crusting. Implementing cover crops can help maintain soil structure and improve water infiltration.
A long season in zone 8a
The county resides in USDA hardiness zone 8a, offering a generous window for growing warm-season crops. The water-retentive silty soil is ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Gardeners should take advantage of the early spring and late fall to maximize their harvests.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cross County have?
Cross County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 58% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cross County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cross County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Cross County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cross County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cross County's soil?
Based on Cross County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Cross County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cross County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cross 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.