Searcy County Soil Data
Searcy County, Arkansas
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
9.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Searcy County, Arkansas
Ozark Plateau soils with high acidity
Searcy County has an average soil pH of 5.50, which is acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. This level is typical for the Arkansas Ozarks and is just below the state average of 5.56. The soil is shaped by the rugged topography and ancient geological processes of the northern highlands.
Sand-heavy texture with moderate clay
With 39.7% sand and 33.7% silt, this soil has a slightly coarser feel than many other Arkansas counties. The 16.0% clay content provides some necessary binding, but the sand ensures that the soil doesn't become overly compacted. This mix allows for good aeration, which is vital for healthy root systems.
Record-breaking organic matter levels
Searcy County features a remarkable 9.23% organic matter, more than double the state average of 4.15%. This suggests a rich, biologically active soil that is excellent for sequestering carbon. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.116 in/in, meaning the soil may drain too quickly during dry weeks.
Navigating subaqueous drainage conditions
The dominant drainage is listed as subaqueous, a unique classification that often indicates soils formed under shallow water or in very wet depressions. This suggests that while some areas are very high in organic matter, they may also face significant saturation issues. Proper site selection is critical for any permanent structures or orchards.
Cooler nights in hardiness zone 7b
The 7b hardiness zone offers a slightly shorter but cooler growing season than southern Arkansas, perfect for berries and greens. A soil score of 43.8 is the second-highest in this group, reflecting the incredible fertility of the local organic matter. Dig into your high-carbon soil today and start a thriving mountain garden.
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
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Searcy County have?
Searcy County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 34% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Searcy County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Searcy County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Searcy County?
Searcy County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Searcy County's soil?
Based on Searcy County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Searcy County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Searcy County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Searcy 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.