Howard County Soil Data
Howard County, Arkansas
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Howard County, Arkansas
Typical Arkansas Acidity in Howard
Howard County's soil pH of 5.63 is very close to the state average of 5.56. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it provides a standard foundation for regional agriculture. This acidity level is manageable for most local forest and pasture applications.
Gritty Soils with Moderate Clay
The soil contains 48.1% sand, 30.9% silt, and a notable 21.0% clay. This relatively high clay content for the region helps the soil maintain its structure and store nutrients. The sand-heavy mix ensures that the soil remains workable and doesn't bake into hardpan.
Balanced Water Capacity Near Average
At 0.149 in/in, Howard’s available water capacity is almost exactly at the state average of 0.148. Organic matter is 1.80%, which is lower than the state average but sufficient to support native growth. The resulting soil score of 35.9 is competitive with most neighboring counties.
Limited Infiltration with Group D
These soils are in hydrologic group D, meaning they have high runoff potential and slow infiltration when saturated. While the high sand content helps, the underlying structure may lead to ponding in low-lying areas. Landowners should consider raised beds for gardening to ensure proper root aeration.
Garden Success in Zone 8a
The zone 8a climate allows for a variety of summer crops and even some winter gardening. The mix of sand and clay is particularly good for fruit trees if the drainage is managed. Start planting early to take full advantage of the long, warm Howard County season.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Howard County have?
Howard County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 31% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Howard County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Howard County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Howard County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Howard County.
What crops or plants grow well in Howard County's soil?
Based on Howard County's Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Howard County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Howard County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Howard 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.