Edwards County Soil Data
Edwards County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Edwards County, Kansas
Perfectly Average Kansas Soils
Edwards County hits the state average pH exactly at 6.80, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This neutral-to-alkaline profile is typical for the Kansas plains.
Sandy Texture with Fast Drainage
This soil is quite sandy at 47.1%, which is balanced by 36.1% silt and a low 16.8% clay content. The high sand percentage makes the soil easy to till and less likely to stay waterlogged after a storm.
Focus on Soil Amendments
Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.60%, and the water capacity of 0.161 in/in is below the 0.180 Kansas mark. Adding compost or organic mulch is essential to boost the fertility of this sandy ground.
Light Soils and Quick Infiltration
Data for specific drainage classes is limited, but the composition suggests rapid water movement. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering to keep plants hydrated in these lighter soils.
Drought-Hardy Planting in Zone 6b
Zone 6b is ideal for drought-tolerant natives and many warm-season vegetables. With a little extra care for the soil's organic levels, you can grow a beautiful and productive garden in Edwards County.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Edwards County have?
Edwards County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 36% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Edwards County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Edwards County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Edwards County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Edwards County.
What crops or plants grow well in Edwards County's soil?
Based on Edwards County's Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Edwards County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Edwards County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Edwards County
Soil Verdict
Edwards 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
Edwards County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Edwards 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.