Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Arkansas
Fertile Alfisols of the Plains
Monroe County features Alfisols, characterized by their naturally high fertility and an average pH of 5.72. This pH is slightly higher than the Arkansas average of 5.56 but remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median.
Silt Loam's Superior Texture
The dominant texture is silt loam, created by a massive 62.1% silt content alongside 18.3% clay. This combination offers excellent workability and enough clay to hold onto vital plant nutrients throughout the season.
Top-Tier Water Storage Potential
The county excels in moisture storage with an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.148. While organic matter is low at 1.49% compared to the state's 4.15%, the water storage remains a major asset.
Moderately Well-Drained Soil Management
These soils are moderately well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group D. This suggests that while they manage standard rainfall well, they may experience slow drainage during heavy storms or in low-lying areas.
Ideal Conditions for Zone 8a
As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, Monroe County is a prime location for rice and various row crops. Home gardeners can take advantage of the high silt loam quality to grow impressive yields of leafy greens.
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
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 62% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe 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 Monroe County?
Monroe County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.7, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Monroe County?
Monroe County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe 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
Monroe County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.