Phillips County Soil Data
Phillips County, Arkansas
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Phillips County, Arkansas
Delta richness with neutral pH
Phillips County boasts a relatively high soil score of 50.4, driven by an average pH of 6.08. This is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of Arkansas, making it less acidic and more hospitable for diverse plants. While specific taxonomic data is not listed, the chemistry reflects the fertile heritage of the Mississippi Delta.
Silt-heavy Delta deposits
The soil composition is dominated by silt at 58.4%, with 22.7% clay and only 19.0% sand. This high silt and clay content creates a fine-textured soil that is excellent at holding onto nutrients and minerals. However, these 'heavy' soils can be slow to warm up in the spring and prone to compaction if worked while wet.
Top-tier water retention
Phillips County features an impressive available water capacity of 0.182 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.148. Organic matter stands at 1.64%, which is lower than the state average but sufficient when paired with such high water storage. This soil is naturally equipped to sustain thirsty crops through the hottest months of the year.
Navigating Delta hydrology
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. However, the high silt and clay percentages typical of the Delta region generally suggest slower drainage and a need for careful water management. Farmers in the area often rely on precise leveling and ditching to ensure consistent field moisture.
A powerhouse for Zone 8a agriculture
Zone 8a and these moisture-rich soils are perfect for high-yield crops like cotton, soybeans, and corn. For the home gardener, this is an ideal environment for lush vegetable patches and heavy-blooming perennials. You can leverage the natural fertility of the Delta to grow an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Phillips County have?
Phillips County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 58% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Phillips County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Phillips County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Phillips County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Phillips County.
What crops or plants grow well in Phillips County's soil?
Based on Phillips County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Phillips County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Phillips County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Phillips 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.