Finney County Soil Data
Finney County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Finney County, Kansas
Arid Alkaline Soils of the West
Finney County features highly alkaline soil with a pH of 7.47, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. These conditions are typical for western Kansas but contribute to a lower soil score of 33.6. Growers must often manage for mineral availability in these high-pH environments.
Sandy Texture Promotes Fast Drainage
With 41.0% sand and 38.5% silt, these soils are much coarser than the state average. The clay content is low at 20.5%, meaning the earth is easy to work but struggles to hold onto water and nutrients. This sandy profile requires careful management of irrigation and fertilizer.
Limited Natural Reserves and Moisture
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity is also below average at 0.166 in/in, making the land more susceptible to drought. Adding compost or manure is a vital strategy for improving these western soils.
Rapid Water Movement and Irrigation Needs
The high sand content suggests rapid drainage, which helps prevent root rot but increases the need for frequent watering. Without specific drainage class data, growers should assume water moves quickly through the profile. This makes the area heavily dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer for consistent production.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 6b
In Zone 6b, Finney County is best suited for resilient crops like grain sorghum, corn, and alfalfa. Gardeners should focus on heat-tolerant varieties and consider using mulch to preserve soil moisture. Despite the challenges, these soils produce high yields when given proper care and water.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Finney County have?
Finney County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 38% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Finney County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Finney County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Finney County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Finney County.
What crops or plants grow well in Finney County's soil?
Based on Finney County's Loam texture, pH of 7.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Finney County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Finney County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Finney County
Soil Verdict
Finney 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
Finney County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Finney 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.