St. Francis County Soil Data

St. Francis County, Arkansas

Avg pH

5.7

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in St. Francis County, Arkansas

Silty Delta Soils with Acidic Leanings

St. Francis County features an average pH of 5.73, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.56. While classification data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil that is more receptive to standard agricultural practices than many neighbors.

High Silt Levels Define the Texture

The soil is comprised of 58.5% silt and 20.6% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-rich environment. This high silt-to-sand ratio allows the land to retain moisture and minerals effectively, though it can be prone to compaction.

Superior Water Retention in the Delta

Available water capacity stands at a robust 0.190 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.148 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.41%, suggesting that farmers must actively manage soil health to maintain productivity.

Moisture-Rich Soils with Limited Hydrology Data

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. However, the high clay and silt percentages typically suggest slower drainage and high water retention common in the Delta region.

Abundant Water for Zone 8a Crops

The incredible water storage capacity in zone 8a makes this county prime for soybeans, cotton, and corn. Home gardeners will find success with high-moisture crops, provided they add compost to improve the low organic levels.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 20.9%
Silt: 58.5%
Clay: 20.6%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7pH
5.73447106032076
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does St. Francis County have?

St. Francis County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 59% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is St. Francis County's soil acidic or alkaline?

St. Francis 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 St. Francis County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for St. Francis County.

What crops or plants grow well in St. Francis County's soil?

Based on St. Francis County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 St. Francis County?

The dominant USDA soil order for St. Francis County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.