Mayes County Soil Data
Mayes County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mayes County, Oklahoma
Strong Acidity in Mayes County
Mayes County has an average soil pH of 5.19, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this level of acidity is common in areas with high organic decomposition. Many common garden plants may require lime treatments to thrive here.
A Silt-Heavy Foundation
The soil is dominated by 42.9% silt, with a relatively low sand content of 20.9%. The 19.3% clay provides enough structure to hold nutrients, but the high silt fraction can make the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet. This composition is excellent for retaining moisture but can be prone to erosion.
Exceptional Organic Wealth
At 6.08%, the organic matter in Mayes County is over three times the state average of 1.72%. This high fertility is complemented by an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in. These numbers suggest a soil that is naturally rich and capable of supporting intense plant growth.
Silty Soil Moisture Dynamics
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt content usually implies moderate drainage with high water retention. These soils can stay moist for long periods, which is beneficial during droughts but may delay spring planting. Careful management is needed to prevent the fine silt particles from washing away.
Acid-Loving Plants in Zone 7a
The acidic, high-organic soil of Mayes County is a dream for blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas in zone 7a. Native hardwoods like oaks also appreciate these conditions. With such naturally high fertility, your home garden has a massive head start on productivity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Water
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mayes County have?
Mayes County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 43% silt, and 19% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Mayes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mayes County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Mayes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mayes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mayes County's soil?
Based on Mayes County's Water texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Mayes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mayes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mayes County
Soil Verdict
Mayes County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Mayes 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 Mayes 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.