Shawnee County Soil Data
Shawnee County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Shawnee County, Kansas
Balanced and Productive Shawnee County Soils
Shawnee County features a well-balanced average pH of 6.43, which aligns closely with the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level ensures that essential nutrients remain highly available for plant uptake. The county's soil score of 69.4 significantly outperforms the Kansas state average of 55.4.
Silt-Dominant Foundation for Reliable Growth
The soil composition is 52.9% silt, 25.6% clay, and 21.2% sand. This high silt content provides a smooth, workable texture that balances moisture retention and aeration. It offers better nutrient-holding capacity than sandier soils found further west in the state.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage
With an organic matter content of 2.67%, Shawnee County exceeds both the state average of 2.22% and the national average. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in provides a steady reservoir for crops during dry spells. These factors create a highly fertile environment for agricultural production.
Steady Hydrology for Eastern Kansas Plains
While specific drainage classes remain unclassified in this data set, the high overall soil score suggests efficient water movement. The mix of silt and clay typically supports stable moisture levels across the landscape. This profile helps mitigate runoff while providing deep moisture for deep-rooted plants.
Abundant Gardening Potential in Zone 6b
The USDA Hardiness Zone 6b climate pairs perfectly with these high-quality soils to support diverse vegetable gardens and orchards. Local growers find success with everything from heirloom tomatoes to fruit trees. It is an ideal environment to start a productive backyard garden.
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 Shawnee County have?
Shawnee County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 53% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shawnee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shawnee County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Shawnee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Shawnee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Shawnee County's soil?
Based on Shawnee County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Shawnee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shawnee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Shawnee County
Soil Verdict
Shawnee 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
Shawnee County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Shawnee 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.