Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Kansas
Balanced and Fertile Soils
Jackson County features a near-perfect pH of 6.44, very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it a versatile foundation for a wide range of agriculture compared to the more alkaline state average.
Dense Mix of Silt and Clay
The composition is 51.1% silt and 30.7% clay, with a small 17.7% sand fraction. This clay-silt dominance provides exceptional nutrient retention, though it may require careful timing for spring tilling to avoid compaction.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is a standout here, with organic matter at 3.10%, significantly higher than the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in also beats the state average, signaling high growing potential.
Slow Natural Water Movement
While specific drainage records are limited, the heavy clay and silt concentrations suggest slower natural water movement. You should monitor for standing water after heavy rain events before building or planting sensitive crops.
Abundant Growth in Zone 6a
In hardiness zone 6a, this rich soil is perfect for robust vegetable gardens and orchard fruits. With such high organic matter, your backyard garden has a major head start on success.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 51% silt, and 31% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.