Gilliam County Soil Data
Gilliam County, Oregon
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gilliam County, Oregon
Perfectly Balanced pH Levels
Gilliam County boasts a near-perfect average pH of 6.63, sitting right at the national median of 6.5. This neutral profile is significantly more balanced than the state average of 5.26. Most plants will find the chemical environment here very welcoming.
Silty Soils and Smooth Workability
The soil is a mix of 46.9% silt, 30.7% sand, and 13.9% clay. This silty composition offers excellent workability and a smooth texture for root development. It balances the fast drainage of sand with the nutrient-holding capacity of silt.
Rich in Organic Potential
Organic matter reaches 5.58%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. While it trails the high state average of 29.41%, it provides a solid foundation for crops. The available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, suggesting a need for efficient irrigation.
Reliable Natural Drainage
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the low clay content suggests water moves through the profile relatively well. This helps prevent the waterlogging that can damage sensitive crop roots. Understanding your specific slope will help manage runoff during heavy storms.
Wheat and Wine Potential
In Hardiness Zone 7b, you can successfully grow wheat, grapes, and a wide variety of orchard fruits. The neutral soil pH gives you a head start on almost any gardening project. Grab your shovel and take advantage of these balanced growing 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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gilliam County have?
Gilliam County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 47% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gilliam County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gilliam County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Gilliam County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gilliam County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gilliam County's soil?
Based on Gilliam County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Gilliam County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gilliam County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gilliam County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Oregon
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.