Sherman County Soil Data
Sherman County, Oregon
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sherman County, Oregon
Near-Neutral Soils of the Plateau
Sherman County stands out with an average pH of 6.47, nearly hitting the national median of 6.5. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.26, making it one of the more neutral soils in Oregon. This balance is highly favorable for the large-scale cereal crops grown throughout the county.
Light and Silty Texture
The soil is comprised of 47.0% silt and 31.1% sand, which creates a light and very workable texture. With a low clay content of 12.6%, this soil drains quickly and resists the heavy clumping found elsewhere. These characteristics allow for efficient mechanical farming across the rolling hills.
Managing Low Organic Content
Organic matter is low at 1.78%, falling below both the national 2.0% average and Oregon's 29.41% average. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.162 in/in, requiring growers to be experts in moisture conservation. These conditions favor deep-rooted crops that can find water in the dry plateau soil.
Rapid Drainage in Dry Country
The high sand and low clay percentages indicate a soil that moves water through the profile quickly. While this prevents pooling, it also means nutrients can leach away if not managed properly. Strategic farming practices are essential here to protect the soil from wind and water erosion.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, Sherman County gardeners should focus on drought-tolerant and wind-resistant plants. The near-neutral pH allows for a wide variety of vegetables if supplemental water is provided. Transform your landscape with hardy herbs and native bunchgrasses that love the sun.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sherman County have?
Sherman County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 47% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sherman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sherman County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Sherman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sherman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sherman County's soil?
Based on Sherman County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Sherman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sherman County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sherman County
Soil Verdict
Sherman 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
Sherman County closely matches the Oregon average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sherman 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.