Russell County Soil Data
Russell County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Russell County, Kansas
Russell County’s Sweet Soil Profile
Russell County reports an average pH of 7.17, indicating a slightly alkaline soil compared to the national median of 6.5. This value is higher than the state average of 6.80 but remains within a healthy range for most regional crops. The county earns a soil score of 51.5, placing it near the middle of the state's productivity spectrum.
A Versatile Silt-Dominated Blend
The soil texture is composed of 52.3% silt, 23.7% sand, and 23.7% clay. This even split between sand and clay, backed by a high silt volume, provides a balanced medium for drainage and nutrient storage. It offers better workability than heavier clay soils found further east.
Solid Fertility and Water Capacity
At 2.05% organic matter, Russell County is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but just below the Kansas average of 2.22%. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is slightly better than the state benchmark of 0.180 in/in. This combination provides a reliable foundation for dryland farming and local gardening.
Stable Drainage for Heartland Use
Detailed hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently not listed for this county. Given the 52.3% silt content, users can generally expect moderate water movement and good root penetration. Always check local site conditions, as the 23.7% clay content can lead to localized compaction in low-lying areas.
Gardening Success in Zone 6b
As part of Hardiness Zone 6b, Russell County is perfect for heat-tolerant favorites like peppers and sunflowers. The soil's ability to hold water makes it easier to maintain a vegetable garden during dry Kansas summers. Try planting native shrubs to help anchor the soil and boost your landscape's resilience.
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 Russell County have?
Russell County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 52% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Russell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Russell County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Russell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Russell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Russell County's soil?
Based on Russell County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Russell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Russell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Russell 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.