Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Colorado
Avg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Colorado
Balanced Soils of the Eastern Plains
Washington County soil is slightly alkaline with an average pH of 7.11. This is more neutral than the Colorado average of 7.29 and closer to the national median of 6.5. This balanced pH makes it versatile for a wide range of regional agricultural applications.
A Versatile Loamy Mix
The soil contains 47.7% sand, 29.7% silt, and 17.5% clay. This balanced composition offers a good middle ground for workability and moisture retention on the eastern plains. It provides enough clay to hold onto nutrients while maintaining sufficient sand for drainage.
Managing Moisture in Lean Soils
Organic matter content is 1.67%, falling below the state average of 2.18%. With an available water capacity of 0.134 in/in, farmers often rely on careful moisture management for successful dryland harvests. Enhancing organic matter through cover cropping can significantly boost these numbers over time.
Moderate Infiltration for Dryland Farming
Local soil surveys do not specify a dominant drainage class, but the balanced texture indicates moderate infiltration rates. This profile typically supports the dryland farming techniques that define the region's agricultural success. Builders will find this soil generally stable, though local testing is always advised.
Resilient Crops for Zone 5b
The county resides in hardiness zone 5b, supporting a variety of hardy grains and native prairie grasses. Your home garden can thrive with drought-tolerant species and supplemental organic mulch to retain moisture. Start planting today to take advantage of these versatile eastern soils.
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 Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 30% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Washington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Washington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington 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.