Anderson County Soil Data
Anderson County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Anderson County, Kansas
Acidic Profiles in Anderson County
The soil here maintains an average pH of 6.18, making it notably more acidic than the Kansas state average of 6.80. This level is also below the national median of 6.5, which may require lime applications for certain crops. It is a distinctive chemical signature that influences local land management.
A Dense Mix of Silt and Clay
Anderson County soil is dominated by 57.6% silt and 29.1% clay, leaving only 12.0% for sand. This high silt percentage makes the soil very workable but prone to erosion if left uncovered. The significant clay portion helps the soil hold onto essential minerals for plant health.
Strong Organic Foundation for Farming
The county boasts 2.47% organic matter, outperforming the state average of 2.22%. While the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is just a hair below the state average, the high organic content helps mitigate moisture loss. This makes the land resilient and productive for local producers.
Managing Water in Silt-Heavy Ground
Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for this county. Given the low sand content, water likely moves slowly through the soil profile. Gardeners should consider raised beds to ensure proper aeration for sensitive root systems.
Productive Gardening in Zone 6b
In Zone 6b, Anderson County gardeners find success with a wide range of perennials and summer vegetables. The silty composition is particularly friendly to root crops and grains. It is a great time to start a backyard plot and tap into this fertile earth.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Anderson County have?
Anderson County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 58% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Anderson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Anderson County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Anderson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Anderson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Anderson County's soil?
Based on Anderson County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Anderson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Anderson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Anderson County
Soil Verdict
Anderson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Anderson County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Anderson County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Kansas
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.