Gove County Soil Data
Gove County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gove County, Kansas
Alkaline Soils of the High Plains
Gove County averages a pH of 7.48, which is much higher than the national median of 6.5. These alkaline conditions are characteristic of the western plains but lead to a lower soil score of 41.9 compared to the state average. Most local plants must be adapted to these high-lime environments.
Silt and Sand Dominance
The soil profile is 50.3% silt and 28.4% sand, with clay making up 20.5%. This creates a friable soil that doesn't hold too much water or become overly sticky. While easy to till, the lack of clay means it has less capacity to store nutrients long-term.
Modest Organic Matter and Water Retention
Organic matter is 1.85%, trailing the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. Available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, which is also slightly below the state average of 0.180. These soils require careful management to stay productive in a semi-arid climate.
Managing Dry-Land Water Needs
The high silt and moderate sand content suggest the soil drains reasonably well after infrequent western rains. There is no specific drainage class data, but the texture indicates water moves fairly easily through the upper layers. This makes the land suitable for dry-land farming techniques like no-till.
Success in Hardiness Zone 6a
Gove County is in Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle colder winters and dry summers. Wheat, sunflowers, and native buffalo grass are the champions of this landscape. Consider starting a native plant garden that thrives in alkaline soil and requires very little extra 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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gove County have?
Gove County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 50% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gove County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gove 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 Gove County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gove County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gove County's soil?
Based on Gove County's Silt 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 Gove County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gove County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.