Morgan County Soil Data
Morgan County, Colorado
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Morgan County, Colorado
Alkaline Sands of the Plains
Morgan County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.19. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 but remains slightly more neutral than the Colorado state average of 7.29.
Sandy Foundations for Farming
The soil is comprised of 60.3% sand, 22.7% silt, and 15.9% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent drainage and ease of tilling, though it requires frequent watering to maintain moisture.
Thirsty Soils Seek Nutrients
Organic matter sits at 1.23%, which is well below the state average of 2.18%. The available water capacity of 0.119 in/in is also lower than the state mean, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.
Fast-Draining Lowlands
The sandy texture leads to rapid water movement through the soil profile. While this prevents most flooding issues, it also means nutrients can leach away quickly if not managed carefully.
Plains-Hardy Growing
In Hardiness Zone 5b, Morgan County is prime territory for sugar beets and hardy grains. Backyard gardeners can see great success with tomatoes and peppers if they add plenty of compost to hold water.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Morgan County have?
Morgan County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 23% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Morgan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morgan County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Morgan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Morgan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Morgan County's soil?
Based on Morgan County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Morgan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Morgan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Morgan County
Soil Verdict
Morgan 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
Morgan County closely matches the Colorado average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Morgan 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.