Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Kansas
Ideally Acidic Growing Conditions
Douglas County maintains an average pH of 6.34, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. This is notably more acidic than the 6.80 Kansas average, which can benefit acid-loving ornamentals and berries.
Heavy Silt for Root Stability
The soil contains 54.1% silt and 24.9% clay, creating a medium that offers excellent structural support for plants. A sand content of 20.5% helps prevent the soil from becoming too dense for root penetration.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
At 2.66%, the organic matter content far exceeds the Kansas average of 2.22%. The soil also holds more water than the state average, with a capacity of 0.188 in/in compared to the 0.180 benchmark.
Effective Nutrient and Water Storage
While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the soil score of 67.4 indicates high-quality land management. The high organic content typically aids in creating stable soil aggregates that allow water to move effectively.
Versatile Planting in Zone 6b
Zone 6b allows for a long growing season that pairs perfectly with this nutrient-dense soil. Whether you want to grow tomatoes or native prairie plants, Douglas County offers some of the best dirt in the state.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 54% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Douglas County
Soil Verdict
Douglas County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Douglas County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.