Average pH of soils along the Rogue River in the Grants Pass area - Ask Extension
What is the average pH of soil along the Rogue River in the Redwood area of Grants Pass? The soil is somewhat sandy and I am thinking that it is ther...
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Average pH of soils along the Rogue River in the Grants Pass area #891788
Asked January 21, 2025, 3:43 PM EST
What is the average pH of soil along the Rogue River in the Redwood area of Grants Pass? The soil is somewhat sandy and I am thinking that it is therefore flood plain or ancient river bottom soil?
Josephine County Oregon
Expert Response
Ernest Pruitt:
I'm going to refer you to the Web Soil Survey: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
1. Hit the big green button in the center of the screen "Start WSS."
2. In the left-hand menu, choose "Quick Navigation."
3. Enter your street address like this:
1234 Main Street
Grants Pass OR ZIP
4. Then hit the "View" button just above where you entered your address.
If you get stuck, write back and give me your address and I'll give it a go.
Sandy soils typically have lower pH because sand particles don't hold onto plant nutrients like base cations the way clays do. Base cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium . . .) increase pH. Since sandy soils don't hang on to these, they tend to run at a lower pH. Of course, there can be exceptions.
I'm going to refer you to the Web Soil Survey: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
1. Hit the big green button in the center of the screen "Start WSS."
2. In the left-hand menu, choose "Quick Navigation."
3. Enter your street address like this:
1234 Main Street
Grants Pass OR ZIP
4. Then hit the "View" button just above where you entered your address.
If you get stuck, write back and give me your address and I'll give it a go.
Sandy soils typically have lower pH because sand particles don't hold onto plant nutrients like base cations the way clays do. Base cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium . . .) increase pH. Since sandy soils don't hang on to these, they tend to run at a lower pH. Of course, there can be exceptions.
