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Curry County Soil Data

Curry County, Oregon

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

4.4

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

55.5%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Curry County, Oregon

The Coast's Most Acidic Soil

Curry County has a very low average pH of 4.38, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and requires specific plant selection for gardening success.

Sandy-Silt Maritime Mix

The soil contains 44.7% silt and 32.3% sand, with 15.4% clay. This relatively low clay percentage allows for excellent drainage, which is necessary given the high volume of rainfall this coastal region receives.

Extreme Organic Richness

At 55.49%, Curry County has the highest organic matter content among these Oregon counties, nearly doubling the state average. Its available water capacity of 0.357 in/in is also the highest, showing incredible potential for lush growth.

High-Capacity Hydrological Storage

While drainage classes are not officially recorded, the soil’s high organic content allows it to act like a sponge. It absorbs heavy coastal rains and stores that moisture efficiently, reducing the need for irrigation during dry spells.

Thriving in Mild Zone 9b

As a 9b hardiness zone, Curry County offers the warmest winter temperatures in Oregon. Embrace the acidity and moisture by growing azaleas, rhododendrons, and coastal evergreens in your home landscape.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 32.3%
Silt: 44.7%
Clay: 15.4%
Loam

Soil pH

4.4pH
4.37661868055556
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Acidic Soil Detected

Your county's average pH is 4.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Curry County have?

Curry County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 45% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Curry County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Curry County's soil has a low pH of 4.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Curry County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Curry County.

What crops or plants grow well in Curry County's soil?

Based on Curry County's Loam texture, pH of 4.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Curry County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Curry County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Curry County

Soil Verdict

Curry County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.

Planting Guidance

Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. 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

Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.

Regional Context

Curry County is significantly warmer than the Oregon average, shifting effective hardiness by roughly 1.6 zones. The zone range of 9a-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.

Other Counties in Oregon

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.