Custer County Soil Data
Custer County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Custer County, Oklahoma
Near-Neutral Soils Ideal for Gardens
Custer County soils have a pH of 6.38, nearing the national median of 6.5 and comfortably exceeding the state average of 6.06. This near-neutral acidity level is ideal for a wide range of common vegetables and flowers.
Workable Soil with Low Clay Content
The mix includes 39.3% sand, 37.1% silt, and 13.5% clay. This relatively low clay content makes the soil easy to work and less likely to become heavy or sticky after a rainstorm.
Reliable Water Access for Plants
Organic matter is lower at 1.26%, trailing the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity is nearly identical to the state average at 0.145 in/in, providing steady moisture access for root systems.
Runoff Risks in Heavy Rains
The county falls into Hydrologic Group D, suggesting limited water infiltration and higher runoff potential. Local growers should focus on adding compost or mulch to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Generous Growing Window in Zone 7b
Zone 7b provides a generous window for everything from leafy greens to summer squashes. With a soil score of 41.7, these lands are more productive than the typical Oklahoma county, making it a great time to plant.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Custer County have?
Custer County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 37% silt, and 14% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Custer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Custer County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Custer County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Custer County.
What crops or plants grow well in Custer County's soil?
Based on Custer County's Water texture, pH of 6.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Custer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Custer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Custer County
Soil Verdict
Custer 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
Custer 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 Custer 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.