Sheridan County Soil Data
Sheridan County, Kansas
Avg pH
7.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sheridan County, Kansas
Alkaline Soils of the High Plains
Sheridan County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.40, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This elevated pH can influence which minerals plants can easily absorb from the ground. The county's overall soil score of 44.2 reflects the unique challenges of this semi-arid region.
Loamy Texture for Easy Workability
The soil consists of 49.8% silt, 29.8% sand, and 19.2% clay. This mixture provides a medium texture that is relatively easy to till and manage for large-scale farming. The moderate sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming too compacted under heavy machinery.
Resourceful Management of Leaner Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at 1.91%, falling below the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Despite this lower organic wealth, the soil maintains a decent available water capacity of 0.177 in/in. Careful management is required to maintain productivity in these thinner High Plains soils.
Natural Drainage in a Dry Climate
Though formal drainage data is not listed, the significant silt and sand percentages suggest naturally porous conditions. Water typically moves through these profiles without long periods of saturation. This characteristic is vital for preventing salt buildup in more alkaline environments.
Resilient Growing in Zone 6a
Sheridan County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle cold winters and dry summers. Drought-tolerant crops like wheat and grain sorghum thrive in this specific soil and climate combination. Gardeners should focus on native species and alkaline-tolerant vegetables for the best results.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sheridan County have?
Sheridan County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 50% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sheridan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sheridan 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 Sheridan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sheridan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sheridan County's soil?
Based on Sheridan County's 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 Sheridan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sheridan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sheridan 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.