Red Dirt Farm Pond

Central Oklahoma is notable for its distinctly colored red dirt, which is due to the high iron content in the soil. This iron oxidizes, giving the soil its characteristic reddish hue. The soil in this region is primarily classified as part of the “Terra Rossa” group, which is characterized by a clay-rich content that has developed over limestone.

The presence of red dirt in Oklahoma can be traced back to the Permian Period, over 250 million years ago, when the region was covered by ancient shallow seas. As the seas receded, they left behind iron-rich sediments that have since oxidized to create the red-hued clay soil prevalent today.

Red Dirt Farm Pond ©2025 Eric Hatheway

The red soil not only impacts the color of the ground but also affects the coloration of water bodies, such as ponds and streams, which can take on a reddish tint when the soil particles are suspended in them. Particularly in farm ponds, erosion and runoff can lead to increased sediment in the water, intensifying its red appearance.

This unique soil has become a defining feature of Oklahoma’s landscape and is an integral part of its agricultural and geological identity.