Van Buren County Soil Data
Van Buren County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Van Buren County, Arkansas
Acidic Ultisol Loams of Central Arkansas
Van Buren County features Ultisols with a loam texture and a pH of 5.35. This is more acidic than the state average and nearly 1.2 points lower than the national median, indicating highly leached soil conditions.
Predominantly Sandy Textures for Easy Work
With 58.1% sand, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and offers great aeration for root development. The mix is rounded out by 28.6% silt and a low 13.3% clay content, preventing the soil from becoming heavy or waterlogged.
Moderate Water Capacity and Low Organic Matter
The organic matter level of 1.75% is less than half of the state average, requiring gardeners to add compost for better yields. Available water capacity is 0.128 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in.
Moderately Well Drained for Versatile Use
The county's soils are moderately well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This combination suggests that while the soil works well for many uses, it transmits water slowly and can be prone to runoff.
Diverse Potential in Hardiness Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b supports various crops from berries to hardy greens, especially in these lighter, sandy loams. Adding mulch will help conserve the county's limited water capacity and boost the naturally low organic levels.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Van Buren County have?
Van Buren County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 29% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Van Buren County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Van Buren County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Van Buren County?
Van Buren County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Van Buren County's soil?
Based on Van Buren County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Van Buren County?
Van Buren 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: Van Buren County
Soil Verdict
Van Buren 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
Van Buren County is somewhat cooler than the Arkansas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Van Buren 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.