Cowley County Soil Data
Cowley County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cowley County, Kansas
Balanced Acidic Profile in Cowley
Cowley County soils maintain an average pH of 6.42, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil chemistry that is friendlier to most plants than the 6.80 state average.
Silt and Clay Dominance
With 52.6% silt and 26.3% clay, these soils offer excellent nutrient retention and structural integrity. The lower sand content of 21.1% means the earth stays moist longer but may require more effort to till when wet.
Above Average Fertility Markers
Organic matter levels reach 2.38%, which beats both the national average and the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The water capacity of 0.184 in/in provides a better moisture buffer for crops compared to the state average of 0.180.
Moisture Retention and Runoff Risks
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently recorded for the county. However, the high silt and clay percentages suggest a soil that holds water effectively but may experience slow drainage during peak rainfall.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 7a
The 7a hardiness zone and high soil score of 66.1 make Cowley an ideal place for diverse vegetable gardening. You have some of the most fertile ground in the state, perfect for starting a home orchard or a lush backyard plot.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cowley County have?
Cowley County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 53% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cowley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cowley 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 Cowley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cowley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cowley County's soil?
Based on Cowley County's Silt 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 Cowley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cowley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cowley 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.