Ottawa County Soil Data
Ottawa County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ottawa County, Oklahoma
Low pH Dominates the Northeast Corner
Ottawa County features a noticeably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.52. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, making it one of the more acidic regions in the state. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the acidic nature dictates the types of native flora that thrive here.
Silky Silts with High Silt Content
The soil composition is heavily weighted toward silt at 51.8%, with 21.0% sand and 20.2% clay. This high silt percentage gives the ground a floury texture and makes it highly susceptible to wind and water erosion if left uncovered. It provides an excellent medium for root expansion due to its fine-grained structure.
Rich Organic Matter Beats State Averages
At 3.25%, the organic matter content is nearly double the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. This biological richness is paired with a high available water capacity of 0.171 in/in. This fertile combination gives the county a high soil score of 49.7, well above the state average of 35.3.
Managing Moisture in Silt-Heavy Soil
While specific drainage classes are not recorded for the dominant areas, the high silt and clay mix suggests moderate internal drainage. The soil’s ability to hold 0.171 inches of water per inch of soil depth is a major asset for local agriculture. Proper tilling is necessary to maintain this structure and prevent compaction.
Thriving in Zone 7a Acidic Soil
The acidic 5.52 pH and high fertility in zone 7a are ideal for blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving plants. With a soil score of 49.7, Ottawa County offers some of the most productive ground in the region. Local gardeners can expect great results with proper pH monitoring.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ottawa County have?
Ottawa County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 52% silt, and 20% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Ottawa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ottawa County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Ottawa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ottawa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ottawa County's soil?
Based on Ottawa County's Water texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Ottawa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ottawa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ottawa County
Soil Verdict
Ottawa 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
Ottawa County closely matches the Oklahoma average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ottawa 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.