Yakima County Soil Data
Yakima County, Washington
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Yakima County, Washington
Volcanic Soils of Central Washington
Specific data on Yakima County's pH and taxonomic soil order is not available in this set. Regional profiles often contrast with the national pH median of 6.5, reflecting the arid conditions and volcanic history of the valley.
Rich Mineral Content
The precise percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this county are currently unrecorded. Local soils are generally known for their excellent mineral content, which supports the state's most diverse orchard and hop production.
High Productivity Under Irrigation
Measurements for local organic matter and water capacity are missing for this jurisdiction. However, the region’s agricultural success suggests that fertility is exceptionally high when managed with standard irrigation techniques.
Critical Water Management
We do not have data for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Yakima County. Because of the arid climate, understanding local water movement is vital for successful irrigation and long-term land management.
Orchard Paradise in Zone 7a
Yakima’s Zone 7a climate is legendary for producing world-class hops, apples, and cherries. Home gardeners should embrace the sunny days and rich local heritage to start their own fruit-focused backyard oasis.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Yakima County have?
Yakima 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 Yakima County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Yakima County.
What is the drainage class for Yakima County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Yakima County.
What crops or plants grow well in Yakima County's soil?
Based on Yakima 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 Yakima County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Yakima County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Yakima County
Soil Verdict
Yakima 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
Yakima County closely matches the Washington average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yakima 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.