Geary County Soil Data
Geary County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Geary County, Kansas
Neutral Soils in the Flint Hills
Geary County features an excellent average pH of 6.63, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it one of the most versatile counties for plant nutrition. With a soil score of 69.7, Geary County significantly outperforms the state average of 55.4.
High Silt Content for Prime Quality
The soil contains 55.6% silt, 24.6% clay, and 19.8% sand. This high silt percentage provides a silky texture that is fertile and relatively easy for roots to penetrate. It strikes a great balance between the drainage of sand and the nutrient capacity of clay.
Top-Tier Organic Matter and Water Storage
At 2.70%, Geary County has some of the highest organic matter in the state, far exceeding the 2.22% average. The available water capacity is also high at 0.191 in/in. These factors create a very resilient soil that can support intense agricultural and horticultural production.
Efficient Water Management for Local Growers
Specific drainage class data is missing, but the high organic matter and balanced texture suggest healthy water infiltration. The soil's ability to hold 0.191 inches of water per inch of soil helps mitigate runoff during storms. This makes Geary County a reliable location for both farming and construction.
A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 6b
The favorable soil conditions in Zone 6b allow for a thriving range of garden vegetables and native tallgrasses. From heirloom tomatoes to lush pastures, everything seems to grow better in these high-scoring soils. Grab a shovel and start planting in some of Kansas's best earth.
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 Geary County have?
Geary County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 56% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Geary County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Geary 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 Geary County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Geary County.
What crops or plants grow well in Geary County's soil?
Based on Geary 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 Geary County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Geary County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Geary County
Soil Verdict
Geary 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
Geary County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Geary 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.