Umatilla County Soil Data
Umatilla County, Oregon
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Umatilla County, Oregon
Eastern Oregon's Silt Loam Identity
Umatilla County's specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available in the dataset. However, the region is famous for its wind-deposited loess soils that define eastern Oregon agriculture. These soils typically differ significantly from the acidic profiles found west of the Cascades.
Fine Textures for Famous Crops
While sand, silt, and clay percentages are unrecorded here, the county is known for its fine-textured soils. These conditions have historically supported some of the world's most productive wheat and pea farms. The lack of specific data points to the diversity of soil types across the county's varied elevations.
Agricultural Success Without the Numbers
Official organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are missing for this county. Despite this, Umatilla remains an agricultural giant, leveraging deep soils and irrigation systems. The soil's productivity is proven by the vast yields harvested from its rolling hills every year.
Water Management on the Range
Dominant drainage classes are not currently specified for this region. Growers in the area typically rely on local expertise to manage the unique hydrologic challenges of the Columbia Basin. Proper water application is the key to preventing erosion in these highly productive landscapes.
Farming the 7a Hardiness Zone
In hardiness zone 7a, Umatilla County offers a robust climate for everything from fruit orchards to vegetable patches. Hot summers and cold winters require hardy plant selections and consistent watering. Join the long tradition of local growers and plant something new this season.
Soil Composition
Composition data not available for this county.
Soil pH
pH data not available for this county.
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: Unknown
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Umatilla County have?
Umatilla County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Umatilla County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Umatilla County.
What is the drainage class for Umatilla County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Umatilla County.
What crops or plants grow well in Umatilla County's soil?
Based on Umatilla County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.
What USDA soil order is found in Umatilla County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Umatilla County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Umatilla County
Soil Verdict
Umatilla 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
Umatilla County closely matches the Oregon average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Umatilla 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.