Crowley County Soil Data
Crowley County, Colorado
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crowley County, Colorado
Highly Alkaline Lowland Soils
Crowley County has a notably high average pH of 7.71, indicating strong alkalinity. This exceeds both the state average of 7.29 and the national median of 6.5. Its overall soil score of 17.5 is lower than the state benchmark of 31.3, highlighting significant management challenges.
Clay-Rich Soil Profile
The composition includes 46.9% sand, 27.9% silt, and a substantial 25.2% clay. This high clay content can make the soil heavy and difficult to work when wet. It also leads to slower drainage, which requires careful irrigation planning.
Retaining Moisture in Silt
Organic matter is low at 1.14%, roughly half of the Colorado average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in slightly beats the state average. This means the soil is capable of holding on to irrigation water in an arid landscape.
Slower Infiltration Rates
While drainage classes are unlisted, the 25.2% clay content suggests the soil is prone to slow water infiltration. Proper drainage is essential to prevent salt buildup, which is a common issue in alkaline, clay-heavy soils. Managing runoff is key for both agriculture and local construction.
Salt-Tolerant Planting Choices
Situated in Zone 5b, this area is well-suited for alfalfa and cereal grains that handle alkalinity well. Gardeners can succeed by adding sulfur and organic matter to lower the pH for more sensitive plants. Focus on drought-tolerant species to build a resilient and productive landscape.
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 7.7. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Crowley County have?
Crowley County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 28% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crowley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crowley County's soil has a pH of 7.7, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Crowley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Crowley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Crowley County's soil?
Based on Crowley County's Loam texture, pH of 7.7, 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 Crowley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crowley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crowley County
Soil Verdict
Crowley County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Crowley County closely matches the Colorado average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crowley 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.