Big Horn County Soil Data
Big Horn County, Wyoming
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Big Horn County, Wyoming
Alkaline Soils of the Basin
Big Horn County lacks specific local pH data but follows the Wyoming trend toward alkalinity with a state average of 7.18. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, often requiring acidifying amendments for certain crops.
Composition Data Currently Limited
Precise sand, silt, and clay ratios are not currently mapped for the county's dominant soil types. Identifying your specific soil texture through a jar test is essential for managing drainage and nutrient retention effectively.
Potential for High Organic Content
Specific local fertility metrics are unavailable, but the state organic matter average of 5.40% indicates high potential for the region. The state's 0.165 in/in average water capacity serves as a baseline for local irrigation planning.
Assessing Local Water Flow
Official drainage and hydrologic group records are currently unavailable for this area. Successful farming and construction in the basin typically require on-site percolation tests to manage moisture levels in the soil.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 5a
The county sits in Hardiness Zone 5a, which suits short-season vegetables and hardy perennials. Start your garden with early-maturing varieties to make the most of the warm summer days and cool nights.
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 Big Horn County have?
Big Horn 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 Big Horn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Big Horn County.
What is the drainage class for Big Horn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Big Horn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Big Horn County's soil?
Based on Big Horn 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 Big Horn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Big Horn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Big Horn County
Soil Verdict
Big Horn County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Big Horn County closely matches the Wyoming average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Big Horn County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Wyoming
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.