Comanche County Soil Data
Comanche County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Comanche County, Kansas
Alkaline Mollisols of Comanche County
Comanche's silt loam soils belong to the Mollisol order and feature an average pH of 7.15. This makes the land significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas average of 6.80.
A Sandy Silt Loam Blend
The soil contains 41.8% sand and 39.6% silt, creating a texture that is easy to work. A clay content of 18.3% provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming excessively heavy or difficult to till.
Dry Soils Needing Organic Boosts
Organic matter sits at 1.53%, which is lower than the state average of 2.22%. With an available water capacity of 0.168 in/in, these soils hold less moisture than the 0.180 Kansas benchmark.
Well Drained with Moderate Infiltration
The land is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This combination suggests that while water moves through the profile well, surface infiltration can be slow during heavy rains.
Hardy Growing in Zone 7a
Hardiness zone 7a supports heat-tolerant crops like sorghum and winter wheat. Local gardeners can cultivate robust vegetable beds by adding compost to improve moisture retention in this alkaline soil.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Comanche County have?
Comanche County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 40% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Comanche County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Comanche County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Comanche County?
Comanche County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Comanche County's soil?
Based on Comanche County's Silt loam texture, pH of 7.1, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Comanche County?
Comanche County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Comanche 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.