Reno County Soil Data
Reno County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Reno County, Kansas
Slightly Acidic Soils in Reno
Reno County's soil has an average pH of 6.31, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.80 and the national median of 6.5. This slight acidity is generally beneficial for many ornamental plants and certain vegetables. However, some traditional field crops may require lime applications to maximize yield.
Coarse Texture and High Sand
The soil is quite sandy at 50.7%, mixed with 33.6% silt and 15.8% clay. This composition ensures that the soil is light and easy to till, providing great aeration for plant roots. The trade-off is that sandy soils generally hold onto less water and fewer nutrients than silty ones.
Moisture and Organic Matter Needs
Organic matter is recorded at 1.68%, falling below the state average of 2.22%. Similarly, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in is lower than the Kansas average of 0.180. With a soil score of 49.1, these lands benefit significantly from the addition of compost and careful irrigation.
Rapid Infiltration Rates
While specific drainage class data is not provided, the 50.7% sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging even during heavy downpours but can lead to quick drying in the wind. Gardeners should consider mulching heavily to keep the soil temperature down and moisture in.
Thriving in Zone 6b
Reno County sits in Zone 6b, a region that supports everything from tomatoes to sweet potatoes. The sandy soil is particularly well-suited for root vegetables, which encounter less resistance as they grow. It is a great place to start an early-season garden that drains quickly after spring rains.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Reno County have?
Reno County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 34% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Reno County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Reno County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Reno County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Reno County.
What crops or plants grow well in Reno County's soil?
Based on Reno County's Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Reno County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Reno County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Reno 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.