St. Francis County Soil Data
St. Francis County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: St. Francis County
Soil Verdict
St. Francis County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
St. Francis County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for St. Francis 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.