Barton County Soil Data
Barton County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Barton County, Kansas
Neutral and Balanced Prairie Soils
Barton County has an average soil pH of 6.78, which aligns almost perfectly with the Kansas state average of 6.80. This neutral pH is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5, providing an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. It is a balanced foundation that serves the heart of the state well.
A Versatile Mix of Sand and Silt
The soil contains 39.3% sand and 42.3% silt, with a smaller clay fraction of 18.4%. This combination offers a balanced texture that is easy to till while still holding enough moisture for crop development. It strikes a functional middle ground between heavy clay and loose sand.
Moderate Fertility in the Central Plains
Organic matter sits at 1.88%, which is below the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, indicating a moderate ability to store water for plants. Supplementing with compost can help boost these numbers for home gardeners.
Steady Water Movement in Central Kansas
While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, the balanced sand and silt content suggests reliable drainage. The moderate clay levels prevent the soil from becoming overly swampy after rains. Proper land grading remains important for managing runoff in this flat landscape.
Resilient Growing in Zone 6b
Barton County resides in Zone 6b, making it a prime location for traditional Kansas crops like wheat and sorghum. The neutral soil pH also makes it easy to grow a wide variety of flowers and vegetables without heavy amendments. Your gardening journey starts with this dependable central 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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barton County have?
Barton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 42% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barton County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Barton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Barton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Barton County's soil?
Based on Barton County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Barton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barton 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.