Morton County Soil Data
Morton County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Clay
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Morton County, Kansas
Alkaline Vertisols of Morton County
Morton County features a dominant soil order of Vertisols with an average pH of 7.25, making it notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also higher than the Kansas state average of 6.80, influencing how nutrients interact with the land.
A Sandy Mix with Clay Character
The soil composition is unique, containing 55.3% sand, 27.8% silt, and 16.9% clay. While technically categorized by dominant texture as clay, the high sand content generally aids drainage, though the clay components retain enough moisture to remain workable.
Arid Fertility Challenges
With an organic matter content of just 1.15%, the soil sits well below the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in also lags behind the Kansas average of 0.180, suggesting a need for careful irrigation and soil building.
Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D
The county's soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates high runoff potential. Builders and farmers must account for slow water movement through the profile during heavy rains.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b
Located in USDA Zone 6b, this soil supports hardy crops like winter wheat and sorghum that can handle alkaline conditions. Native shortgrass prairie species thrive here, so consider starting a drought-tolerant garden with local favorites.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Morton County have?
Morton County's soil is classified as Clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 28% silt, and 17% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Morton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morton County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Morton County?
Morton County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Morton County's soil?
Based on Morton County's Clay texture, pH of 7.2, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, wetland plants and crops tolerant of slow drainage, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Morton County?
Morton County's dominant soil order is Vertisols. Vertisols are clay-rich soils that shrink and crack when dry and swell when wet. They are challenging to manage but often fertile.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Morton 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.