Baca County Soil Data
Baca County, Colorado
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Baca County, Colorado
Alkaline Soils in Southeast Colorado
Baca County records a pH of 7.50 and a soil score of 25.8, indicating some chemical challenges for sensitive crops. This pH is notably more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the Colorado state average of 7.29.
Silty Soils for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 44.1% sand and 37.0% silt, a balance that supports diverse agricultural uses. With only 17.8% clay, the soil is generally easy to till and does not suffer from the extreme compaction seen in heavier clay regions.
Strong Water Retention Potential
Organic matter is low at 1.38%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is higher than the state average, helping crops survive the region's frequent dry spells.
Adapting to Arid Conditions
No specific drainage or hydrologic group data is currently available for this county. Growers should monitor local field conditions after heavy rains to assess how effectively the silty-sand mix handles water infiltration.
Heat-Loving Crops for Zone 6b
This area falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, allowing for a long and productive growing season. It is a great environment for heat-loving crops like sorghum, corn, and peppers that thrive in alkaline conditions.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.5. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Baca County have?
Baca County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 37% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Baca County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Baca County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Baca County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Baca County.
What crops or plants grow well in Baca County's soil?
Based on Baca County's Loam texture, pH of 7.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Baca County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Baca County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Baca County
Soil Verdict
Baca County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Baca County is somewhat warmer than the Colorado statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Baca County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Colorado
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.