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Sweetwater County Soil Data

Sweetwater County, Wyoming

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Alkaline Potential in the High Desert

Detailed pH and taxonomic data are not currently available for Sweetwater County. Typical for the region, these desert soils are likely more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Unmapped Textures of the Basin

The specific breakdown of sand, silt, and clay is missing from our current database. Local gardeners should look for sandy characteristics, which are common across the Sweetwater river basin.

Growing Against the Odds

Specific organic matter levels are not recorded, so we cannot compare them to the 5.40% Wyoming average. Adding organic amendments is the best way to improve the fertility of these arid soils.

Managing Water in Arid Land

Drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable for this county. In desert climates, managing salt accumulation is often as important as managing the water itself.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b

Zone 5b allows for a variety of perennials and hardy vegetables if you can manage the wind. Start your garden with windbreaks and plenty of mulch to conserve every drop of moisture.

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Soil Amendment Products

Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Sweetwater County have?

Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Sweetwater County.

What is the drainage class for Sweetwater County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Sweetwater County.

What crops or plants grow well in Sweetwater County's soil?

Based on Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Sweetwater County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Sweetwater County

Soil Verdict

Sweetwater 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

Sweetwater County closely matches the Wyoming average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.

Other Counties in Wyoming

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.