Atchison County Soil Data
Atchison County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Atchison County, Kansas
A Balanced Acidic Profile
Atchison County's soil shows an average pH of 6.28, sitting comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This is more acidic than the Kansas state average of 6.80 but remains within a healthy range for most regional vegetation. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the chemical balance supports diverse plant life.
Silty Soils Offer Great Workability
The local composition consists of 53.7% silt and 28.8% clay, providing a sturdy texture for agriculture. With only 15.7% sand, these soils are excellent at retaining nutrients and preventing rapid leaching. This mix offers a good balance between ease of tillage and structural stability.
High Moisture Retention and Rich Matter
Atchison County excels in fertility with 2.70% organic matter, significantly beating the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is also higher than the state benchmark. These factors combine to create a soil that resists drought and feeds crops efficiently.
Evaluating Water Flow Patterns
Detailed hydrologic and drainage class data are unavailable for this county. The high percentage of silt and clay suggests that the soil holds water well, though it may be slow to drain after heavy rains. Local landowners should monitor for standing water during the spring thaw.
Four Seasons of Growth in Zone 6a
USDA Hardiness Zone 6a allows Atchison County residents to grow everything from leafy greens to hardy fruit trees. The high organic matter in the soil provides a natural head start for any gardening project. Start your seeds today to take advantage of this premium Kansas 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Atchison County have?
Atchison County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 54% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Atchison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Atchison County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Atchison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Atchison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Atchison County's soil?
Based on Atchison County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Atchison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Atchison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Atchison 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.