Uintah County Soil Data
Uintah County, Utah
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Uintah County, Utah
High pH levels define Uintah's profile
The average pH is 7.91, significantly higher than the 6.5 national median. This alkalinity reflects the arid conditions of the Uinta Basin and influences nutrient availability.
Sand dominates this desert soil mix
With 45.1% sand and 19.2% clay, the soil offers decent structure but limited moisture grip. Silt fills the remaining 30.9% to provide a balanced texture for local farmers.
Organic matter beats national benchmarks
The 3.83% organic matter content exceeds the 2.0% national average, though it trails Utah's 7.59% average. Uintah's soil score of 27.8 reflects its challenges compared to the 41.8 state average.
Drainage data is currently unrecorded
While specific drainage classes aren't in the database, the high sand content generally indicates fast-draining conditions. Builders and farmers should perform on-site percolation tests to confirm water movement.
Hardy crops thrive in Zone 5b
Beets, carrots, and potatoes handle the alkaline soil and cold winters exceptionally well. Start your high-desert garden with soil amendments to balance the pH for more sensitive plants.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.9. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Uintah County have?
Uintah County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 31% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Uintah County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Uintah County's soil has a pH of 7.9, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Uintah County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Uintah County.
What crops or plants grow well in Uintah County's soil?
Based on Uintah County's Loam texture, pH of 7.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Uintah County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Uintah County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Uintah County
Soil Verdict
Uintah County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Uintah County is somewhat cooler than the Utah statewide average. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Uintah County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Utah
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.