Kearny County Soil Data
Kearny County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kearny County, Kansas
Alkaline Western Soils
The soil here is distinctly alkaline with a pH of 7.56, much higher than the national 6.5 median. This alkalinity can influence which nutrients are available to plants without extra soil management or additives.
Easy-to-Work Sandy Mix
A significant sand content of 45.1% is balanced by 35.6% silt and 19.2% clay. This relatively sandy mix provides quick drainage and is easier to work with when wet than heavy eastern clay.
Water-Wise Soil Needs
Fertility is lower than average, with organic matter at 1.29% compared to the Kansas average of 2.22%. Available water capacity is also lower than the state benchmark at 0.157 in/in, requiring careful irrigation.
Fast-Moving Subsurface Water
Formal drainage data is unavailable, but the high sand percentage implies fast-moving water underground. This helps prevent root rot but means you will likely need to water more frequently during dry spells.
Hardy Options for Zone 6a
Kearny is in zone 6a, making it suitable for hardy, drought-resistant crops like milo or native grasses. Consider a xeriscaped garden to match these sandy, alkaline western conditions.
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
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kearny County have?
Kearny County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 36% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kearny County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kearny County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Kearny County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kearny County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kearny County's soil?
Based on Kearny County's Loam texture, pH of 7.6, 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 Kearny County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kearny County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kearny County
Soil Verdict
Kearny County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Kearny County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kearny 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.