Poinsett County Soil Data
Poinsett County, Arkansas
Avg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Poinsett County, Arkansas
Ultisols of the Crowley's Ridge region
Poinsett County sits on acidic Ultisols with an average pH of 5.82, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than many other parts of the state. This helps the county achieve a high soil score of 50.1, reflecting its significant agricultural value. These soils are weathered but remain highly productive when managed correctly.
Silt loam provides excellent structure
The dominant texture is silt loam, featuring a high silt content of 58.4% and 24.5% clay. With only 17.2% sand, this soil is exceptionally good at holding nutrients and providing a smooth, workable surface for planting. It is the classic soil of the Arkansas Delta, prized for its ability to sustain massive crop yields.
Superior water holding capacity
The available water capacity in Poinsett County is 0.189 in/in, one of the highest in the state and well above the average of 0.148. While organic matter is 1.72%, the fine-textured silt and clay do an excellent job of retaining moisture. This makes the county exceptionally resilient during the peak heat of the summer.
Well-drained and stable in Group B
The county's soils are primarily well-drained and fall into Hydrologic Group B. This indicates moderate infiltration rates, allowing water to move through the profile without causing significant runoff or erosion. It is an ideal setup for a wide range of uses, from large-scale rice and soybean farming to residential landscaping.
Abundant harvests in Zone 8a
Poinsett County is a gardener's dream in Zone 8a, perfectly suited for everything from rice to heirloom tomatoes. The high water capacity means your garden will be more drought-tolerant than those in sandier neighboring counties. There has never been a better time to tap into this Delta fertility and start your own backyard farm.
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: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Poinsett County have?
Poinsett County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 58% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Poinsett County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Poinsett County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Poinsett County?
Poinsett 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 Poinsett County's soil?
Based on Poinsett County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.8, and 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 Poinsett County?
Poinsett 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.
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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.