Clearwater County Soil Data
Clearwater County, Idaho
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clearwater County, Idaho
Clearwater's Unique Soil Profile
Regional soil surveys haven't yet classified the dominant texture or pH for Clearwater County. In context, Idaho's average soil pH of 6.04 is more acidic than the 6.5 national median.
Determining Local Soil Workability
Detailed percentages of sand and clay are currently undocumented, leaving drainage characteristics to be determined by on-site observation. Local growers must investigate their specific plots to understand water retention.
Idaho's Robust Organic Matter Standards
While county data is limited, Idaho maintains a state average organic matter of 27.53%, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. The state's average available water capacity is a solid 0.269 in/in.
Managing Water and Infrastructure
Documentation for the county's dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not available. These factors are essential for managing local runoff and choosing the best building sites.
Diverse Potential in Zone 7a
Clearwater County enjoys a milder climate in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This allows for a longer growing season where fruit trees and diverse garden crops can flourish.
Soil Composition
Composition data not available for this county.
Soil pH
pH data not available for this county.
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: Unknown
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Clearwater County have?
Clearwater County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Clearwater County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Clearwater County.
What is the drainage class for Clearwater County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clearwater County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clearwater County's soil?
Based on Clearwater County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.
What USDA soil order is found in Clearwater County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clearwater County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clearwater County
Soil Verdict
Clearwater County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Clearwater County is somewhat warmer than the Idaho statewide average. The zone range of 6a-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clearwater County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Idaho
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.