Bourbon County Soil Data
Bourbon 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 Bourbon County, Kansas
Acidic Foundations in Bourbon County
Bourbon County soils have an average pH of 6.25, which is lower than the state average of 6.80. This slightly acidic profile is just below the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup is typical for the region and supports a variety of native grasses and agricultural staples.
High Silt Levels Support Soil Structure
The composition is 53.8% silt and 28.9% clay, with sand making up 16.7% of the total. This high silt content gives the soil a smooth feel and provides plenty of surface area for nutrient storage. The clay content adds necessary body to help the soil resist rapid temperature changes.
Rich Organic Matter for Plant Health
Bourbon County boasts 2.67% organic matter, outperforming the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity stands at 0.175 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.180. Even so, the high organic content helps maintain a healthy, living soil ecosystem.
Managing Moderate Drainage Needs
Data regarding specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups for the county are currently limited. Given the nearly 29% clay content, the soil likely holds moisture for significant periods. Landowners should consider drainage solutions if they notice persistent damp spots in their fields or yards.
Warm-Climate Gardening in Zone 7a
As part of Zone 7a, Bourbon County enjoys a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. The soil is well-suited for tomatoes, beans, and berries that thrive in slightly acidic conditions. It's a fantastic place to cultivate a productive backyard oasis.
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 Bourbon County have?
Bourbon County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 54% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bourbon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bourbon 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 Bourbon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bourbon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bourbon County's soil?
Based on Bourbon 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 Bourbon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bourbon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bourbon 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.