McClain County Soil Data
McClain County, Oklahoma
Avg pH
6.0
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in McClain County, Oklahoma
Standard Oklahoma Acidic Soils
McClain County's soil pH averages 5.95, which is very close to the state average of 6.06 but more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This slight acidity is typical for the region's agricultural lands. It supports a wide variety of native grasses and commercial crops with minimal adjustment.
The Silt and Sand Balance
The soil contains 39.2% silt and 31.5% sand, creating a texture that is smoother than many of the sandier counties to the west. With 18.4% clay, the soil has enough body to hold onto fertilizers without becoming overly heavy. This mix is generally well-regarded for its versatility in different types of farming.
Superior Water Retention
While organic matter is 1.49%—below the state average of 1.72%—the water capacity is a standout feature. At 0.155 in/in, it significantly exceeds the state average of 0.144 in/in. This makes McClain County's soil a reliable reservoir for plants during the hot, dry summer months.
Managing High Runoff Rates
Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, these soils have low infiltration rates when saturated. This means that during intense Oklahoma storms, water is likely to run off rather than soak in, increasing the risk of erosion. Terracing or using ground cover can help keep your topsoil in place.
Versatile Growing in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b and high water capacity make McClain County great for growing corn, soybeans, and diverse vegetables. The silt-rich soil provides a cool environment for root systems to thrive. Start a backyard garden to take advantage of this soil's impressive ability to hold water.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McClain County have?
McClain County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 39% silt, and 18% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is McClain County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McClain County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for McClain County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McClain County.
What crops or plants grow well in McClain County's soil?
Based on McClain County's Water texture, pH of 6.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in McClain County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McClain County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McClain 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.