Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Washington
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Washington
Balanced Soil in Central Washington
Douglas County features a soil pH of 6.74, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This sits above the state average of 6.20, providing a neutral environment that supports a wide range of nutrient availability.
Sandy Foundations and Easy Workability
The soil is composed of 54.3% sand and 34.6% silt, creating a medium texture that is easy to till. With only 9.1% clay, the ground resists compaction but may require more frequent attention to moisture levels.
Managing Lean Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at 1.83%, slightly under the national average of 2.0% and far below the state average of 14.85%. An available water capacity of 0.166 in/in indicates that consistent irrigation is key for maximizing crop yields.
Rapid Water Movement Through Sand
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand content suggests naturally fast infiltration. Farmers and builders should plan for high drainage rates and low natural water retention in the soil profile.
A Prime Spot for Orchards
Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, this county is famous for its apples, cherries, and wheat. The workable soil and sunny climate make it a perfect time to start your own backyard fruit grove.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 35% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Washington
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.