Doniphan County Soil Data

Doniphan 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 Doniphan County, Kansas

Acidic and Productive Earth

Doniphan County soils have an average pH of 6.39, which is more acidic than the Kansas average of 6.80. This pH level is very close to the national median of 6.5, making it suitable for a wide variety of North American crops.

Silty Soils with Low Sand

Silt makes up 58.1% of the soil, while clay adds another 25.3% to the mix. With only 14.3% sand, this soil is exceptionally fine-grained and holds moisture and nutrients very efficiently.

Rich Organic Content and Capacity

Organic matter at 2.43% surpasses the state average of 2.22%, indicating a healthy biological ecosystem. The water capacity of 0.194 in/in is also well above the 0.180 Kansas average, offering great drought resistance.

Moisture Retention and Water Management

Official drainage class data is not recorded, but the low sand content suggests the soil retains water longer than neighboring counties. Gardeners should ensure good drainage in their plots to manage the heavy silt load.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 6a

With a high soil score of 69.5, Doniphan is a premier location for fruit trees and row crops. You can start a highly productive garden here, as the soil provides everything a plant needs to thrive.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 14.3%
Silt: 58.1%
Clay: 25.3%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.38765182186235
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Doniphan County have?

Doniphan County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 58% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Doniphan County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Doniphan 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 Doniphan County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Doniphan County.

What crops or plants grow well in Doniphan County's soil?

Based on Doniphan 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 Doniphan County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Doniphan County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.