Riley County Soil Data
Riley County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Riley County, Kansas
Riley County’s Near-Perfect pH Balance
Riley County features an average pH of 6.65, which sits remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This slightly acidic to neutral profile is lower than the Kansas state average of 6.80. While specific taxonomic data is currently limited, the soil score of 71.2 indicates a highly productive landscape for the region.
A Silty Foundation for Flint Hills Farming
The soil contains 57.9% silt and 25.5% clay, providing excellent nutrient retention and structure. With only 16.6% sand, these fields remain workable while holding the moisture necessary for consistent yields. This mix creates a stable environment for both root development and industrial land use.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage
Riley County boasts an organic matter content of 2.60%, surpassing both the national average of 2.0% and the Kansas average of 2.22%. Its available water capacity of 0.197 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.180 in/in. These figures suggest a naturally fertile soil that resists drought effectively.
Deep Resources in Undefined Hydrology
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset, the county’s high overall soil score suggests reliable water management. Farmers and builders should verify local conditions, as the high silt content usually implies moderate permeability. The lack of specific classification reflects a need for site-specific testing before major projects.
Flourishing Gardens in Hardiness Zone 6b
Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Riley County is ideal for growing native tallgrass species and hardy vegetables like tomatoes or peppers. The combination of high organic matter and balanced pH makes it a gardener's dream. Start a backyard plot today to take advantage of some of the best soil in the state.
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 Riley County have?
Riley County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 58% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Riley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Riley County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Riley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Riley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Riley County's soil?
Based on Riley County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.7, 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 Riley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Riley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Riley 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.