Crawford County Soil Data
Crawford County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crawford County, Kansas
Acidic Silt Profiles in Crawford
Crawford County features an average pH of 6.20, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.80. This lower pH level can influence nutrient availability for certain crops compared to the national median of 6.5.
Heavy Silt and Clay Mix
The soil composition consists of 56.7% silt and 28.9% clay, creating a heavy texture with high nutrient-holding capacity. Only 14.4% of the profile is sand, which means the soil can become compacted if worked while wet.
High Organic Matter and Capacity
At 2.40%, the organic matter content is well above the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in also exceeds the state benchmark of 0.180, providing strong growing potential.
Managing Heavy Surface Soils
Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high clay content typically indicates slower water movement. Gardeners should watch for ponding in low spots during the humid Kansas spring.
Robust Production in Zone 7a
The zone 7a climate paired with high fertility allows for a wide range of berries and leafy greens. Your soil's high organic content is a major asset, so start planting today to take advantage of this natural wealth.
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 Crawford County have?
Crawford County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 57% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crawford County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Crawford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Crawford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Crawford County's soil?
Based on Crawford County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Crawford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crawford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crawford County
Soil Verdict
Crawford 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
Crawford County is somewhat warmer than the Kansas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crawford 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.