Ottawa County Soil Data
Ottawa County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ottawa County, Kansas
Near Ideal Soil Conditions
Ottawa County features an average pH of 6.57, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it one of the most versatile counties in the state for a wide range of plants.
A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix
The soil contains 54.6% silt, 24.5% clay, and 20.5% sand. This relatively high sand content compared to neighbors helps improve aeration and drainage while the silt maintains a high level of workability.
Robust Organic Matter Levels
The county boasts a healthy organic matter content of 2.63%, significantly outperforming the state average of 2.22%. With an available water capacity of 0.188 in/in, the soil is naturally equipped for high productivity.
Healthy Water Movement
The combination of 20.5% sand and a high water capacity suggests a soil that drains well but still retains moisture for plants. This balance is ideal for both agriculture and residential gardening projects.
Garden-Ready in Zone 6b
With its excellent pH and high organic matter, Ottawa County is a gardener's dream in zone 6b. From heirloom vegetables to vibrant flower beds, almost everything thrives in this well-balanced soil.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ottawa County have?
Ottawa County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 55% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ottawa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ottawa County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Ottawa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ottawa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ottawa County's soil?
Based on Ottawa County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Ottawa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ottawa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ottawa County
Soil Verdict
Ottawa 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
Ottawa County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ottawa 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.