Miami County Soil Data
Miami County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Miami County, Kansas
Acidic Profiles in Miami County
Soil pH in Miami County averages 6.22, falling below both the state average of 6.80 and the national median. While slightly acidic, this range is excellent for many berries and hardwoods that struggle in more alkaline soils.
Fine-Grained and Silty Content
The soil is remarkably fine, consisting of 60.3% silt and 27.4% clay, with a minimal 11.2% sand fraction. This high-silt profile creates a smooth, floury texture that is highly fertile but susceptible to erosion if left uncovered.
Impressive Organic Reserves
Organic matter content is high at 2.98%, well above the Kansas average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in ensures that the soil can hold significant moisture for crops during the peak of summer.
Monitoring Slow Water Release
While specific hydrologic data is not available, the low sand percentage indicates that this soil holds water very effectively. Gardeners should ensure proper site grading to avoid long periods of standing water in the heavy silt-clay mix.
Rich Gardening in Zone 6b
With a strong soil score of 66.0, Miami County offers great potential for diverse agriculture. This Zone 6b region is particularly well-suited for lush vegetable gardens and ornamental landscaping that thrives in organic-rich ground.
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 Miami County have?
Miami County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 60% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Miami County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Miami 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 Miami County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Miami County.
What crops or plants grow well in Miami County's soil?
Based on Miami 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 Miami County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Miami County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Miami County
Soil Verdict
Miami 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
Miami County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Miami 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.