Rooks County Soil Data
Rooks County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rooks County, Kansas
Rooks County’s Alkaline Soil Profile
The soil in Rooks County carries an average pH of 7.33, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is also more basic than the Kansas state average of 6.80. Despite the lack of specific taxonomic data, the soil score of 43.0 reflects the challenges of a more arid, basic environment.
Balanced Texture with High Silt Content
A composition of 47.3% silt and 30.4% sand allows for decent drainage and workability across the county. The 22.2% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients, though the higher sand percentage compared to eastern neighbors speeds up water movement. This balance requires careful management to prevent erosion in open fields.
Managing Fertility in a Dry Climate
Organic matter stands at 1.81%, which is below the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in also trails the Kansas average of 0.180 in/in. These metrics indicate that supplemental irrigation and organic amendments are often necessary to maximize growing potential.
Hydraulic Challenges in Central Kansas
Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for this area in current records. Given the moderate clay and high silt levels, the soil likely offers standard drainage for agricultural use. Developers should perform individual site assessments to determine how the 30.4% sand component affects localized water runoff.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a
Rooks County falls within Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle colder winter lows. Drought-tolerant crops like sorghum or native buffalo grass thrive here alongside hardy perennials. Adding compost to your garden will help compensate for the lower-than-average organic matter and boost your harvest.
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 Rooks County have?
Rooks County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 47% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rooks County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rooks County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Rooks County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rooks County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rooks County's soil?
Based on Rooks County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Rooks County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rooks County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rooks County
Soil Verdict
Rooks County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Rooks County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rooks 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.