Phillips County Soil Data
Phillips County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Phillips County, Kansas
Higher pH in Phillips County
Phillips County reports an average soil pH of 7.06, placing it above both the Kansas average of 6.80 and the national median of 6.5. This slightly alkaline profile is common for Western Kansas and generally supports local row crops. While specific taxonomic orders aren't recorded here, the pH indicates a mineral-rich environment.
Rich Silt for Better Workability
The soil is dominated by silt at 53.1%, paired with 24.7% sand and 22.1% clay. This high silt ratio creates a fertile texture that is easier to plow than heavy clay but holds more water than sand. This mix provides an ideal balance for moisture retention and root penetration.
Strong Water Retention Potential
At 1.99%, the organic matter content nearly hits the national 2.0% average but lags behind the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity is impressive at 0.188 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.180. This means the soil acts like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated during dry spells.
Navigating Local Drainage
While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, the county's soil score of 55.1 aligns closely with the state average of 55.4. The high silt and clay content suggests that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. Local gardeners should watch for drainage patterns during heavy spring rains.
Gardening in Zone 6a
Phillips County is situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a wide variety of cool and warm-season crops. The silty, water-retaining soil is perfect for growing sunflowers, corn, or deep-rooted prairie grasses. Whether you are farming or backyard gardening, these soils are ready for production.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Phillips County have?
Phillips County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 53% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Phillips County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Phillips County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Phillips County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Phillips County.
What crops or plants grow well in Phillips County's soil?
Based on Phillips County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Phillips County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Phillips County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Phillips 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.