Stevens County Soil Data
Stevens County, Washington
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
22.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stevens County, Washington
Acidic Profiles in Stevens County
Stevens County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.82, notably lower than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile reflects the county's timbered landscape and sits below the Washington state average pH of 6.20.
Low-Clay Soil for Easy Workability
The soil composition contains 29.7% sand, 35.2% silt, and a very low 7.3% clay content. This mix provides easy workability for tools but requires careful moisture management since it lacks the water-holding power of clay-heavy soils.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
This county excels in fertility with a massive 22.24% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 14.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.190 in/in remains competitive with the state benchmark of 0.194 in/in, indicating high growth potential.
High-Quality Agricultural Potential
While specific drainage class data is limited, the overall soil score of 74.5 indicates high agricultural quality compared to the state average of 58.1. These soils offer a robust foundation for diverse land use despite missing specific hydrologic classification.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 6b
Stevens County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, making it ideal for cold-hardy perennials and root vegetables. Use the rich organic matter to your advantage and start a productive garden this season.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stevens County have?
Stevens County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 35% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stevens County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stevens County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Stevens County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stevens County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stevens County's soil?
Based on Stevens County's Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Stevens County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stevens County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stevens County
Soil Verdict
Stevens County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Stevens County is somewhat cooler than the Washington statewide average. The zone range of 6a-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stevens 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.