Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Grant County, Arkansas
Strongly Acidic Soils of Central Arkansas
Grant County soil is strongly acidic with a pH of 5.12, well below the national median of 6.5. This low pH limits the availability of several key nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. While taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a highly weathered landscape.
High Sand Content Impacts Retention
Nearly half the soil—49.7%—is composed of sand, leading to a gritty texture. With only 15.5% clay and 34.8% silt, this soil offers excellent workability but risks losing nutrients and water quickly. It is an ideal mix for plants that require high aeration for their roots.
Average Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter
Grant's organic matter is low at 1.78%, yet its available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is nearly at the state average of 0.148. This suggests the silt and clay particles are working hard to hold onto moisture. However, the overall soil score of 23.6 indicates significant room for improvement via organic additions.
Hydrologic Group D Challenges Drainage
Despite the high sand content, these soils belong to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, this group often poses risks for standing water during heavy storms. Careful site planning is necessary for both gardening and construction.
Warm Seasons in Zone 8a
Grant County sits in zone 8a, offering a robust environment for southern staples like okra and sweet potatoes. The sandy texture is perfect for root vegetables, provided you manage the high acidity. Start a compost pile today to transform these sandy soils into a productive oasis.
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
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grant County have?
Grant County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 35% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grant County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Grant County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grant County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?
Based on Grant County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Grant County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grant County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant 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
Grant County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.