Randolph County Soil Data
Randolph County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Gravelly fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
6.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Randolph County, Arkansas
Resilient Ultisols of the Ozark foothills
Randolph County's soil is defined by the Ultisols order and a pH of 5.67, which is the highest in this regional group. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, it is slightly more alkaline than the Arkansas state average. The dominant texture is a gravelly fine sandy loam, indicating a rocky but productive landscape.
Silty loam with a gravelly kick
This soil contains a high silt content of 49.2%, paired with 28.1% sand and 15.9% clay. The presence of gravel provides natural macropores that allow for air and water movement. This composition creates a soil that is easy to till and resistant to excessive compaction.
Superior organic matter and water storage
Randolph County boasts an impressive 6.46% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 4.15%. Its available water capacity of 0.150 in/in also beats the state benchmark, making it one of the most fertile areas in the region. This high organic content acts as a natural sponge and fertilizer for crops.
Well-drained land for diverse uses
The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This group is characterized by moderate infiltration rates, making the land ideal for farming and stable for building foundations. It effectively manages rainfall, reducing the risk of standing water and root rot.
Thriving in hardiness zone 7b
The 7b hardiness zone is slightly cooler than southern Arkansas, making it perfect for cool-season crops and hardy perennials. With a high soil score of 53.3, this is some of the best land in the state for a thriving home garden. Your local soil has the organic power to grow a legendary harvest.
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: Gravelly fine sandy 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 Randolph County have?
Randolph County's soil is classified as Gravelly fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 49% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Randolph County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Randolph 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 Randolph County?
Randolph 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 Randolph County's soil?
Based on Randolph County's Gravelly fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Randolph County?
Randolph 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Randolph County
Soil Verdict
Randolph County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Randolph County is somewhat cooler than the Arkansas statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Randolph 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.