Kiowa County Soil Data
Kiowa County, Colorado
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kiowa County, Colorado
Alkaline Soils of the Plains
Kiowa County features an average pH of 7.58, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in Colorado's eastern plains and influences nutrient availability.
Balanced Sandy Loam Mix
The soil contains 46.5% sand and 20.0% clay, providing a good balance of drainage and structure. This mix is generally easy to work but requires careful moisture management.
Lean Soils with Good Capacity
Organic matter is 1.33%, falling below the state average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is higher than the state average, helping plants survive dry spells.
Semi-Arid Land Potential
The county's soil score of 24.7 is lower than the state average of 31.3. While drainage data is unlisted, the combination of sand and silt suggests moderate permeability for farming.
Sun-Loving Crops for Zone 6a
Hardiness Zone 6a and plentiful sun make Kiowa County ideal for drought-tolerant crops. Sunflowers, wheat, and heat-resistant garden varieties perform best in this environment.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kiowa County have?
Kiowa County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 34% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kiowa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kiowa County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Kiowa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kiowa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kiowa County's soil?
Based on Kiowa County's Loam texture, pH of 7.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Kiowa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kiowa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kiowa County
Soil Verdict
Kiowa County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Kiowa County is somewhat warmer than the Colorado statewide average. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kiowa County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Colorado
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.