Ford County Soil Data
Ford County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ford County, Kansas
High pH Soils in the High Plains
Ford County averages a pH of 7.25, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.80. The county's soil score of 42.8 reflects the semi-arid environment of southwest Kansas. These soils often require specific management to make phosphorus and iron available to plants.
A Sandy and Silty Blend
The soil contains 39.2% sand and 40.7% silt, creating a light texture that doesn't easily crust. Clay makes up only 20.1% of the profile, which is lower than many eastern counties. This mix allows for easy tilling but reduces the soil's ability to lock in nutrients over the long term.
Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter stands at 1.69%, which is less than the state average of 2.22%. Similarly, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the state benchmark of 0.180. These numbers indicate that the soil requires supplemental inputs to maintain high productivity.
Well-Drained Ground for Western Farming
With a high sand percentage, Ford County soils generally drain well, reducing the risk of waterlogged fields. While specific hydrologic data is not provided, the coarse texture is characteristic of the High Plains landscape. This drainage profile is excellent for preventing salt buildup but requires efficient irrigation.
Tough Plants for a Zone 6b Climate
Hardiness Zone 6b supports winter wheat, cotton, and various types of milo. For home gardeners, raised beds with added organic material can bypass the lean native soil. Planting windbreaks and using drip irrigation will help your garden thrive in the Dodge City area.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ford County have?
Ford County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 41% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ford County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Ford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ford County's soil?
Based on Ford County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Ford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ford 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.