Chase County Soil Data
Chase County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chase County, Kansas
Slightly Acidic Soils of the Flint Hills
Chase County features a soil pH of 6.44, sitting just under the national median of 6.5 and notably lower than the Kansas average of 6.80. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, this near-neutral profile offers a balanced environment for most common crops. The overall soil score of 72.8 indicates these lands are significantly more productive than the state average of 55.4.
High Silt Content for Heavy Lifting
The soil is dominated by 60.9% silt and 31.9% clay, with only a small 7.2% sand component. This heavy texture creates a soil that holds nutrients well but may be slow to dry after a rain. Gardeners should expect a dense soil that requires careful timing to avoid compaction during tillage.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage
Chase County excels in fertility with 2.92% organic matter, well above the Kansas average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in also beats the state average, providing a vital buffer for crops during dry spells. This combination suggests a high natural growth potential without excessive intervention.
Reliable Moisture Management
While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the high available water capacity suggests consistent moisture retention for deep-rooted plants. Producers should be mindful that the high clay and silt percentages typically correlate with slower infiltration rates. Proper field contouring can help manage runoff in this productive landscape.
Native Grasses and Hardy Perennials
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Chase County provides a reliable window for growing everything from prairie grasses to robust vegetable gardens. The high soil score makes this an excellent location for starting a home orchard or a native pollinator plot. Focus on plants that appreciate consistent moisture and rich, silty 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 Chase County have?
Chase County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 7% sand, 61% silt, and 32% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chase County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chase 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 Chase County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chase County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chase County's soil?
Based on Chase 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 Chase County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chase County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.