Lyon County Soil Data
Lyon County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lyon County, Kansas
Classic Acidic Loams in Lyon
Lyon County features a soil pH of 6.17, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.80 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region and supports a variety of traditional Kansas agriculture. It provides a specialized environment that many native prairie plants find ideal.
High Clay for Maximum Retention
The soil is remarkably low in sand at only 11.3%, while silt makes up 56.7% and clay accounts for 30.0%. This high clay content gives the soil excellent structural strength and the ability to hold onto nutrients tightly. It can be quite heavy to dig, but it provides a very stable base for plant roots.
Superior Organic Matter and Moisture
Lyon County boasts a high organic matter content of 2.70%, well above the state average of 2.22%. It also features an available water capacity of 0.189 in/in, which exceeds the state benchmark of 0.180. These metrics indicate a very fertile soil that is highly resilient to dry spells.
Managing High-Retention Soils
With a strong overall soil score of 64.0, the land is generally very productive. The high clay and silt percentages mean that drainage may be slow, making it important to manage runoff during heavy rains. Proper soil management can prevent the compaction that often affects these dense, silty profiles.
Lush Growth in Zone 6b
Hardiness Zone 6b and rich, moisture-retentive soil make Lyon County an excellent place for a flourishing garden. You can successfully grow heavy-feeding crops like corn, tomatoes, and various peppers. Get started today and watch how the high organic matter transforms your home-grown harvest.
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 Lyon County have?
Lyon County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 57% silt, and 30% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lyon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lyon 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 Lyon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lyon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lyon County's soil?
Based on Lyon 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 Lyon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lyon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lyon County
Soil Verdict
Lyon 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
Lyon County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lyon 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.