Nowata County Soil Data
Nowata County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nowata County, Oklahoma
Distinctive Acidity in Nowata Soils
Nowata County has a notably acidic average pH of 5.31, significantly lower than the Oklahoma average of 6.06. This low pH level can limit the availability of certain nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. Landowners often use regular applications of agricultural lime to bring this soil into a more productive range.
Silt-Rich and Clay-Heavy Mix
With only 17.7% sand, this soil is dominated by 45.5% silt and 22.5% clay. This composition creates a dense, heavy soil that can feel sticky when wet and hard when dry. While difficult to plow, this mix is excellent at trapping and holding onto chemical nutrients.
Rich Organic Matter and Hydration
The organic matter content is 1.96%, which is much higher than the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. Combined with a water capacity of 0.153 in/in, the soil is inherently fertile despite its high acidity. This high organic content provides a buffer that helps plants thrive in challenging conditions.
Managing the Flow in Nowata
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are limited in current datasets, the high clay and silt content suggest naturally slow drainage. Surface water is likely to linger after heavy rains, requiring intentional grading for residential or agricultural use. Managing soil structure is the key to preventing the ground from becoming waterlogged.
Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 7a
The 7a hardiness zone and acidic soil make this county a prime location for berries, potatoes, and certain hardwood trees. Blueberries specifically thrive in the low pH environment found naturally here. If you are looking to start a productive garden, focus on crops that appreciate high organic matter and acidic conditions.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Nowata County have?
Nowata County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 46% silt, and 23% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Nowata County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nowata County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Nowata County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nowata County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nowata County's soil?
Based on Nowata County's Water texture, pH of 5.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Nowata County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nowata County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nowata County
Soil Verdict
Nowata 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
Nowata County closely matches the Oklahoma average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nowata 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.