Labette County Soil Data
Labette County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Labette County, Kansas
Slightly Acidic Soils in Labette
Labette County has an average soil pH of 6.21, making it more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas state average of 6.80. This acidity profile is often favorable for specific fruit crops and ornamental shrubs. While taxonomic details are sparse, the chemical makeup suggests a unique niche in the state's agricultural landscape.
Silty Texture with Strong Clay Content
The soil is dominated by 54.4% silt and a significant 27.8% clay fraction, with sand making up only 17.8%. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention and structure but can be difficult to work when wet. The high silt content ensures a smooth, fine texture that holds together well.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
At 2.47%, Labette's organic matter exceeds the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is nearly on par with the state benchmark. This combination creates a fertile base that supports robust plant growth with less supplemental fertilizer.
Steady Moisture in the Profile
While specific drainage classes are not recorded in the data, the high clay and silt percentages usually indicate slower drainage. This can be a benefit during dry Kansas summers but may lead to heavy soils in the spring. Plan your garden beds with elevation to manage any potential standing water.
A Longer Season in Zone 7a
As one of the warmer spots in Kansas, Labette sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season. It is an ideal climate for sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and even some southern-leaning perennials. The rich organic matter makes it a perfect place to start a productive backyard vegetable patch.
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 Labette County have?
Labette County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 54% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Labette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Labette County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Labette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Labette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Labette County's soil?
Based on Labette County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Labette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Labette 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.