Greer County Soil Data
Greer County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Greer County, Oklahoma
Alkaline Tendencies in Greer County
Greer County soils lean alkaline with an average pH of 6.86, notably higher than the state average of 6.06. This places the county above the national median pH of 6.5, which can influence how plants take up specific nutrients. The overall soil score of 31.9 reflects a more challenging environment than the state average of 35.3.
A Gritty, Clay-Rich Texture
The soil contains 42.9% sand and 19.6% clay, providing a texture that is both gritty and capable of firming up when wet. Silt makes up 30.0% of the profile, rounding out a composition that can be tough to work when dry. This mix requires careful timing for tilling to avoid creating hard clods.
Modest Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.24%, well below the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in also trails the state average of 0.144 in/in. These factors mean the soil dries out faster and may require more frequent fertilization or mulching to support healthy growth.
Slow Drainage and High Surface Runoff
As a member of Hydrologic Group D, Greer County soil has a very slow infiltration rate. Rainfall often stays on the surface, creating a risk of erosion on sloped land. Farmers and gardeners should implement contouring or rain gardens to capture water before it leaves the site.
Resilient Growing in Zone 7b
The 7b climate supports drought-tolerant species and native grasses that handle the alkaline pH well. Successful gardeners often focus on Mediterranean herbs or native wildflowers that thrive in leaner, higher-pH soils. Adding organic compost can help bridge the fertility gap for more demanding vegetables.
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 Greer County have?
Greer County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 30% silt, and 20% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Greer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greer County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Greer County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greer County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greer County's soil?
Based on Greer County's Water texture, pH of 6.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Greer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greer County
Soil Verdict
Greer 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
Greer County closely matches the Oklahoma average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greer 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.