Jefferson County Soil Data
Jefferson County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jefferson County, Kansas
Slightly Acidic Growing Ground
With a pH of 6.34, the soil is slightly more acidic than both the national 6.5 and state 6.8 averages. This level is excellent for nutrient availability for most common garden vegetables and field crops.
Fine-Textured Silt Mix
The soil is comprised of 52.5% silt and 27.6% clay, making it a heavy-bodied mix. This high silt percentage creates a silky texture that holds onto moisture and fertilizer effectively throughout the season.
Robust Fertility Benchmarks
Organic matter is robust at 2.77%, comfortably exceeding the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in also sits above the state benchmark, supporting plants during summer dry spells.
Moisture-Retentive Soil Management
Official drainage classifications are not available, but the clay-heavy mix generally indicates a need for managed runoff. This composition ensures that nutrients stay in the root zone rather than washing away.
Long Season Success in 6b
Jefferson County sits in zone 6b, providing a long enough season for tomatoes, peppers, and diverse ornamentals. Now is a great time to leverage this above-average fertility in your own garden.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jefferson County have?
Jefferson County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 53% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jefferson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jefferson County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jefferson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jefferson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jefferson County's soil?
Based on Jefferson County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Jefferson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jefferson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jefferson County
Soil Verdict
Jefferson 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
Jefferson County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jefferson 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.