Stafford County Soil Data
Stafford County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stafford County, Kansas
Neutral and Sandy Stafford County Soils
Stafford County possesses an average pH of 6.55, which is almost identical to the national median of 6.5. This creates an ideal chemical environment where most plants can easily access soil nutrients. However, the overall soil score of 42.0 is lower than the state average due to its sandy nature.
High Sand Content for Fast Drainage
The soil is dominated by 62.4% sand, with only 12.7% clay and 25.0% silt. This high sand percentage means the soil is very loose and easy to work but dries out quickly. It lacks the natural structural stability found in the silt-heavy soils of eastern Kansas.
Low Organic Matter and Water Retention
Organic matter is quite low at 1.40%, well below the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.136 in/in is also significantly lower than the state benchmark. Growers here must manage moisture carefully to compensate for the soil's limited storage capacity.
Rapid Infiltration and Minimal Ponding
The sandy profile suggests very rapid drainage, meaning water moves through the root zone quickly. While this prevents drowning plants during heavy rains, it also means nutrients can leach away more easily. Careful irrigation and fertilization timing are essential for maintaining plant health.
Specialized Growing in Zone 6b
In Hardiness Zone 6b, the sandy soil is perfect for specialty crops like watermelons or sweet potatoes that prefer loose earth. Gardeners should use heavy mulching to keep the ground cool and retain what little water the soil holds. Start with drought-tolerant varieties for the best gardening experience.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stafford County have?
Stafford County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 25% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stafford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stafford County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Stafford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stafford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stafford County's soil?
Based on Stafford County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Stafford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stafford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stafford 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.