Otero County Soil Data
Otero County, Colorado
Avg pH
7.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Otero County, Colorado
Alkaline River Valley Soils
Otero County has a notably alkaline average pH of 7.68. This level sits well above the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Colorado state average of 7.29, requiring acid-loving plants to have specific amendments.
A Silty, Productive Mix
The composition is a balanced blend of 41.0% silt, 31.4% sand, and 26.7% clay. This high silt and clay content provides much better nutrient retention and structural stability than sandier neighboring counties.
Excellent Water Holding Potential
The available water capacity is 0.156 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.139. Although organic matter is low at 1.34%, the soil's ability to hold moisture makes it highly productive under irrigation.
Steady Moisture Management
With over 26% clay, these soils drain more slowly than sandy plains, providing a steady supply of water to crops. Farmers must monitor for compaction and salt accumulation, which are common in these silty valley floors.
Melon Capital Success
Otero's Zone 6a climate is world-famous for cantaloupes and watermelons. The warm nights and moisture-retentive soils make this a gardener's dream for heat-loving vine crops and pumpkins.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Otero County have?
Otero County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 41% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Otero County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Otero 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 Otero County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Otero County.
What crops or plants grow well in Otero County's soil?
Based on Otero 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 Otero County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Otero County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Otero 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.