Butler County Soil Data
Butler County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Butler County, Kansas
Near-Perfect pH Levels in Butler County
Butler County features an average soil pH of 6.43, which is almost exactly at the national median of 6.5. While more acidic than the state average of 6.80, this level is considered optimal for the majority of garden plants and crops. It represents a balanced chemical environment for diverse land use.
Silt-Heavy Soils Hold the Ground
The county's soil composition is 60.1% silt and 29.8% clay, with a very low sand content of 10.1%. This silty texture is excellent for nutrient retention and provides a smooth, stable medium for roots. However, the high clay and silt fractions can lead to a sticky consistency after rainfall.
High Organic Content and Water Capacity
With 2.82% organic matter, Butler County is well above the state average of 2.22%. It also boasts a high available water capacity of 0.197 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.180. These metrics indicate a robust, fertile soil that handles dry spells better than most.
Managing Water in Silty Terrain
Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. Given the 60.1% silt content, the soil likely has moderate to slow permeability. Proper water management is key for both farmers and homeowners to keep the soil productive and healthy.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 7a
Butler County's Zone 7a status provides a generous window for growing warm-season crops. The combination of high organic matter and excellent water storage makes it a premier location for gardening. Dig in and take advantage of some of the best soil metrics in the state.
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 Butler County have?
Butler County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 60% silt, and 30% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Butler County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Butler County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Butler County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Butler County.
What crops or plants grow well in Butler County's soil?
Based on Butler County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Butler County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Butler County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Butler County
Soil Verdict
Butler County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Butler County is somewhat warmer than the Kansas statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Butler 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.