Rush County Soil Data
Rush County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rush County, Kansas
Alkaline Soils of the Rush Plains
Rush County features an average pH of 7.42, which is notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline characteristic exceeds the state average of 6.80, potentially affecting nutrient availability for certain crops. The overall soil score of 48.8 suggests a landscape that requires specific management to reach peak productivity.
Heavy Silt and Clay Foundations
The soil is dominated by 54.4% silt and 25.1% clay, creating a heavy texture that holds onto moisture well. With only 20.5% sand, these soils can be slower to drain but offer excellent stability for roots. This composition is typical of the productive central Kansas wheat belt.
Consistent Water Storage for Agriculture
Rush County provides an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, outperforming the Kansas state average of 0.180 in/in. However, organic matter remains low at 1.93%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. This means while the soil stores water well, it may need nitrogen or organic boosts to support heavy feeding plants.
Moisture Management in Unclassified Lands
Specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for Rush County. The high silt and clay percentages suggest the soil is likely to have moderate to slow permeability. Local builders and farmers should expect steady water retention but should verify drainage before starting large-scale projects.
Zone 6b Growth and Garden Tips
The local climate in Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide variety of prairie-adapted plants and traditional vegetables. Squash and legumes do particularly well in this high-silt environment when given enough water. Your garden will benefit greatly from mulching to preserve the moisture captured by the county's high water capacity.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rush County have?
Rush County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 54% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rush County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rush County's soil has a pH of 7.4, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Rush County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rush County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rush County's soil?
Based on Rush County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 7.4, 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 Rush County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rush County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rush County
Soil Verdict
Rush 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
Rush County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rush 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.