Ellsworth County Soil Data
Ellsworth County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ellsworth County, Kansas
Neutral Soils with High Performance
Ellsworth County boasts a near-perfect pH of 6.64, very close to the ideal national median of 6.5. This balance supports a wide variety of plant life and microbial activity. The county's impressive soil score of 69.8 makes it one of the more productive regions in the state.
Silt-Rich Foundation for Root Growth
The soil is comprised of 53.1% silt, 24.3% sand, and 22.7% clay. This high-silt environment provides excellent workability and enough clay to retain essential nutrients. It is a versatile mix that resists the extreme hardness of high-clay soils.
High Water Storage and Organic Wealth
Organic matter levels are healthy at 2.49%, well above the Kansas average of 2.22%. More impressively, the available water capacity of 0.195 in/in significantly beats the state average of 0.180. This means the soil acts like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated through dry spells.
Optimal Hydrology for Local Producers
The combination of balanced texture and high water capacity suggests a very stable hydrological environment. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the high silt content usually ensures even moisture distribution. This makes the land reliable for both row crops and residential gardening.
Versatile Growing in Zone 6b
Falling in Zone 6b, Ellsworth County is ideal for a diverse range of vegetables and grains. Tomatoes, peppers, and wheat all thrive in this nutrient-rich, neutral soil. With such high soil quality, now is a great time to expand your home garden or orchard.
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 Ellsworth County have?
Ellsworth County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 53% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ellsworth County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ellsworth County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Ellsworth County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ellsworth County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ellsworth County's soil?
Based on Ellsworth County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Ellsworth County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ellsworth County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ellsworth County
Soil Verdict
Ellsworth 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
Ellsworth County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ellsworth 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.