Carter County Soil Data
Carter County, Oklahoma
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Carter County, Oklahoma
Neutral soils near the national ideal
Carter County features a pH of 6.46, placing it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 6.06. This near-neutral acidity makes the soil highly versatile for a wide range of plants without intensive chemical adjustment. The county earns a solid soil score of 44.6, significantly higher than the Oklahoma average.
Sand-heavy texture with significant clay
The soil composition consists of 40.9% sand and 21.4% clay, providing a unique mix of drainage and structure. The higher clay percentage compared to neighboring counties helps the soil maintain its shape and hold onto minerals. This mix prevents the soil from drying out as rapidly as purely sandy soils might.
Moderate organic matter and water storage
Organic matter content stands at 1.42%, trailing the national average of 2.0% but matching many of its regional neighbors. The available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, which is just slightly below the state average. Farmers may need to focus on adding compost or cover crops to improve these fertility benchmarks over time.
Hydrologic challenges for heavy rain
Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, these soils exhibit very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This classification suggests that during Oklahoma's heavy spring rains, the soil saturates quickly and sheds excess water. Proper site grading is essential for any construction projects in this area.
Long growing seasons in zone 8a
Located in hardiness zone 8a, Carter County enjoys a long growing season that supports everything from peaches to summer squash. The near-perfect pH level allows for successful ornamental gardening and productive small-scale farming. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to establish a permanent orchard or perennial garden.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Carter County have?
Carter County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 33% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carter County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carter County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Carter County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carter County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carter County's soil?
Based on Carter County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Carter County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carter County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.