Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Stony fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Arkansas
Rugged Ultisols with high acidity
Franklin County soils are primarily Ultisols with a low average pH of 5.41. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the state average of 5.56. These highly weathered soils are typical of the Ozark foothills and require careful nutrient management.
Stony loams with high sand content
The dominant texture is stony fine sandy loam, featuring 48.2% sand, 36.9% silt, and 14.9% clay. This gritty composition ensures excellent aeration and makes the soil easy to till, though rocks may present a physical challenge. The high sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Typical water capacity for the region
Available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter levels are 1.83%, which is common for these upland soils but below the state's 4.15% benchmark. To ensure high yields, gardeners should focus on building up organic layers over time.
Efficient drainage for healthy roots
Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration rates. This is ideal for most plants as it prevents water from sitting around the root zone for too long. These characteristics make Franklin County well-suited for building sites and orchards.
Orchards thrive in zone 8a
Franklin County’s 8a hardiness zone and well-drained sandy loams are perfect for peaches and grapes. The county has a long history of viticulture and fruit production thanks to this specific soil-climate combination. Plant your own backyard orchard today to take advantage of these favorable conditions.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Stony fine sandy 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 Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Stony fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 37% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin 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 Franklin County?
Franklin 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 Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Stony fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Franklin County?
Franklin County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin 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
Franklin County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.