Roosevelt County Soil Data
Roosevelt County, New Mexico
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Extremely gravelly loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Roosevelt County, New Mexico
Highly Alkaline Plains Soil
Roosevelt County soils have an average pH of 7.64, making them more alkaline than both the state average (7.48) and the national median (6.5). This alkaline environment is typical of the limestone-influenced geology found in eastern New Mexico.
The Sand Dominance of Roosevelt
The soil is comprised of 65.5% sand, 17.7% silt, and 15.8% clay, classified as an extremely gravelly loam. This high sand content provides excellent workability and prevents compaction but may lead to faster nutrient leaching.
Average State Fertility Levels
Organic matter sits at 1.24%, nearly matching the New Mexico state average of 1.27%. The available water capacity is 0.118 in/in, which is slightly below the state mean and requires attentive irrigation for thirsty crops.
Well-Drained Agricultural Land
These soils are moderately well-drained and fall into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This makes the land generally favorable for both building foundations and diverse agricultural uses with minimal runoff risk.
Peanut Capital in Zone 7b
Roosevelt County’s sandy soils and 7b hardiness zone are world-famous for producing sweet potatoes and peanuts. Local gardeners should capitalize on the sandy texture to grow deep-rooted crops and heat-loving melons.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Extremely gravelly loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Roosevelt County have?
Roosevelt County's soil is classified as Extremely gravelly loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 18% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Roosevelt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Roosevelt County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Roosevelt County?
Roosevelt County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Roosevelt County's soil?
Based on Roosevelt County's Extremely gravelly loam texture, pH of 7.6, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Roosevelt County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Roosevelt County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Roosevelt County
Soil Verdict
Roosevelt County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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. 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.
Regional Context
Roosevelt County closely matches the New Mexico average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Roosevelt County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New Mexico
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.