Strafford County Soil Data
Strafford County, New Hampshire
Avg pH
3.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
28.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Highly Acidic Soil Conditions
Strafford County features a notably acidic environment with a pH level of 3.86, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This measurement is also lower than the New Hampshire average of 4.24, suggesting a need for lime amendments in most garden plots.
Coarse Sand-Driven Soil Texture
The soil contains 39.4% sand and 25.8% silt, creating a gritty texture with only 6.2% clay. This composition generally facilitates quick drainage and easy tilling, though it may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients compared to heavier soils.
High Organic Matter and Capacity
Organic matter reaches 28.13%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average but trails the state average of 32.63%. The available water capacity of 0.158 in/in indicates moderate moisture storage, providing a decent foundation for plant growth during dry spells.
Navigating Limited Hydrologic Data
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded for this area, the overall soil score of 46.0 sits below the state average of 59.8. This lower score suggests that builders and farmers may encounter more landscape challenges here than in neighboring counties.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Strafford supports a wide range of cold-hardy perennials and vegetables. Start a garden today to take advantage of the high organic content and the region's favorable growing season.
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 Strafford County have?
Strafford County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 26% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Strafford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Strafford County's soil has a low pH of 3.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Strafford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Strafford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Strafford County's soil?
Based on Strafford County's Loam texture, pH of 3.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Strafford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Strafford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Strafford 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.