Yuma County Soil Data
Yuma County, Colorado
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Yuma County, Colorado
Alkaline Sandy Plains of Yuma
Yuma County exhibits alkaline soil with an average pH of 7.31. This exceeds the state average of 7.29 and is significantly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. Such levels are common in the arid eastern plains where minerals accumulate more readily.
A High-Sand, Fast-Draining Mix
With a high sand content of 60.3% and only 13.5% clay, this soil is exceptionally coarse and easy to work. While this mix allows for rapid drainage, it poses challenges for retaining nutrients and moisture compared to heavier soils. Gardeners may find that organic amendments are necessary to build better soil structure.
Optimizing Lean Soil Capacity
Organic matter stands at 1.60%, trailing the state average of 2.18%. The available water capacity is 0.124 in/in, which is lower than the 0.139 state average, indicating a significant need for consistent irrigation. Improving these levels is the key to increasing the county's already impressive agricultural output.
Navigating Rapid Water Movement
The high sand percentage implies very rapid drainage, even though specific hydrologic groups are not listed. Farmers and gardeners must account for this fast-moving water when planning nutrient applications to prevent leaching. This soil profile requires frequent, smaller watering sessions rather than occasional heavy soaking.
Deep-Rooted Success in Zone 5b
Yuma County sits in hardiness zone 5b, supporting robust corn, potato, and grain production under irrigation. Embrace the sandy soil by planting deep-rooted perennials and vegetables that can find water deep in the subsoil. Your garden can thrive with proper moisture management and a bit of care.
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 Yuma County have?
Yuma County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 26% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Yuma County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Yuma County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Yuma County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Yuma County.
What crops or plants grow well in Yuma County's soil?
Based on Yuma County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Yuma County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Yuma County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Yuma County
Soil Verdict
Yuma 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
Yuma County closely matches the Colorado average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yuma 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.