Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Arkansas
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
10.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Arkansas
Loamy Ultisols with Deep Acidity
Madison County features Ultisols with a loam texture and a notably acidic average pH of 5.28. This is lower than both the state average of 5.56 and the national median of 6.5, often requiring soil amendments for garden success.
The Ideal Loam Balance
The ground is a balanced blend of 31.8% sand, 41.7% silt, and 14.0% clay. This loamy mix provides a 'goldilocks' environment for roots, offering both easy workability and reliable nutrient storage for your plants.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is a standout at 10.45%, more than doubling the state average of 4.15%. Despite this rich profile, the available water capacity of 0.117 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.148.
Well-Drained Land for Easy Building
The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, making the land excellent for residential building and diverse agricultural uses.
Cool Season Success in Zone 7b
Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Madison County is perfect for cool-season vegetables and berries. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a fantastic foundation for any home gardener looking to start a new plot.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 42% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison 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 Madison County?
Madison 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 Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Madison County?
Madison 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.