Beckham County Soil Data
Beckham County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Beckham County, Oklahoma
Beckham's Neutral Growing Environment
Beckham County maintains a near-neutral pH of 6.68, sitting just above the national median of 6.5. This makes the soil less acidic than the average Oklahoma profile of 6.06.
Versatile Farming Soil Texture
The soil mix consists of 44.1% sand, 29.0% silt, and 17.5% clay. This ratio provides a versatile base for farming, though the high sand content suggests it may dry out faster than more silty soils.
Limited Water Holding Capacity
Organic matter is low at 0.97%, falling well short of the state average of 1.72%. With a water capacity of 0.129 in/in, the soil holds less moisture than the state benchmark of 0.144 in/in.
Potential for Surface Runoff
The land belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating that despite the sandy texture, the deeper layers may resist water infiltration. This can lead to surface runoff during intense Western Oklahoma thunderstorms.
Cotton and Peppers in Zone 7b
Zone 7b is ideal for cotton and heat-loving vegetables like peppers. To overcome low organic matter, residents should integrate compost to boost the soil's natural productivity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Water
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Beckham County have?
Beckham County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 29% silt, and 18% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Beckham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Beckham County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Beckham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Beckham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Beckham County's soil?
Based on Beckham County's Water texture, pH of 6.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Beckham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Beckham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Beckham County
Soil Verdict
Beckham 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
Beckham County closely matches the Oklahoma 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 Beckham County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Oklahoma
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.