Harper County Soil Data
Harper County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Harper County, Kansas
Ideal pH for Harper County
Harper County features an average pH of 6.69, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5 and state average of 6.80. This balanced acidity is the 'sweet spot' for most plants to absorb essential nutrients. It provides a versatile foundation for both farmers and gardeners.
Coarse and Sandy Loam Character
The soil contains 43.8% sand, 37.7% silt, and 17.3% clay. This creates a coarse texture that is easy to till and warms up quickly in the spring. It offers good aeration for root systems but may drain faster than heavier soils.
Navigating Lower Organic Content
Organic matter is 1.49%, falling short of the state’s 2.22% average. The available water capacity of 0.164 in/in is also slightly below the state benchmark. Using cover crops can help improve these numbers and protect the soil from erosion.
Effective Drainage for Local Land
Though specific drainage classifications are unavailable, the sand-heavy mix suggests a high infiltration rate. This makes the county well-suited for irrigation systems that require consistent water movement. It is generally a reliable surface for rural construction.
Gardening in Warmer Zone 7a
Harper County sits in Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than much of Kansas. This climate is excellent for heat-loving crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and melons. Get your seeds in early to take advantage of the favorable soil pH.
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 Harper County have?
Harper County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 38% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Harper County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Harper County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Harper County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Harper County.
What crops or plants grow well in Harper County's soil?
Based on Harper County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Harper County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Harper County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Harper County
Soil Verdict
Harper County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Harper County is somewhat warmer than the Kansas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Harper 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.