Coos County Soil Data
Coos County, New Hampshire
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Coos County, New Hampshire
The Rugged North Country Profile
Coos County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in current soil surveys. However, the region's vast forests typically indicate a very acidic profile compared to the 6.5 national median. This acidity is perfectly suited for the sprawling spruce and fir forests of the north.
A Complex Glacial Mosaic
Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this northernmost county. The soil is largely shaped by glacial till, which often creates a mix of boulders and fine silt. Growers should expect variable textures that change rapidly across the landscape.
Abundant Natural Organic Potential
No specific organic matter or water capacity data is recorded for the county. Despite the lack of numbers, the heavy forest cover suggests a naturally high accumulation of organic debris. This creates a rich, though unquantified, layer of topsoil for northern agriculture.
Water Movement in the Great North
Drainage classifications remain unmapped for Coos County in this dataset. Given the mountainous terrain, drainage varies from excessively drained peaks to saturated wetlands in the valleys. Careful site evaluation is necessary for any building or farming project.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4b
As the coldest part of the state, Zone 4b requires plants that can survive deep freezes. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes thrive in these cooler temperatures and long summer days. Get started with cold-frame gardening to extend your short but intense growing window.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Coos County have?
Coos 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 Coos County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Coos County.
What is the drainage class for Coos County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Coos County.
What crops or plants grow well in Coos County's soil?
Based on Coos 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 Coos County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Coos County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Coos County
Soil Verdict
Coos County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Coos County is somewhat cooler than the New Hampshire statewide average. The zone range of 4a-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Coos County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New Hampshire
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.