Pawnee County Soil Data
Pawnee County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pawnee County, Kansas
Neutral Soils in Pawnee County
Pawnee County soils lean neutral with an average pH of 7.03, slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas average of 6.80. While formal taxonomic records are limited here, these neutral levels suggest a hospitable environment for most standard crops. This stability provides a solid foundation for the county's agricultural output.
A Silty Foundation for Farming
The soil composition features a balanced mix of 45.3% silt, 34.7% sand, and 20.0% clay. This high silt content offers a smooth texture that retains nutrients better than sandy soils while maintaining manageable workability. The moderate clay percentage helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly during hot Kansas summers.
Reliable Water Storage Capacities
Organic matter sits at 1.87%, which is slightly below the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in beats the state average of 0.180, indicating the soil holds onto moisture effectively. Growers should focus on building organic matter to maximize the land's inherent storage potential.
Adapting to Local Hydrology
Specific drainage class data is limited for this region, though the soil score of 51.8 suggests moderate overall performance. The silt-heavy composition typically suggests decent natural drainage with some risk of surface crusting. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables when planning significant land projects.
Flourishing in Zone 6b
Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Pawnee County is well-suited for winter wheat, sorghum, and hardy perennials. The combination of neutral pH and reliable water capacity makes this an excellent spot for a home vegetable garden. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of the long growing season.
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: 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 Pawnee County have?
Pawnee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 45% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pawnee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pawnee County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Pawnee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pawnee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pawnee County's soil?
Based on Pawnee County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Pawnee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pawnee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pawnee County
Soil Verdict
Pawnee 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
Pawnee County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pawnee 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.