Sumner County Soil Data
Sumner County, Kansas
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Sumner County, Kansas
Prime Agricultural Foundation in Sumner County
Sumner County soils feature an average pH of 6.48, which sits perfectly on the national median for ideal plant growth. This slightly acidic to neutral range is excellent for nutrient availability across many crops. The county's soil score of 56.7 is higher than the state average.
Balanced Loamy Silt Composition
The soil is a mix of 42.4% silt, 35.2% sand, and 20.9% clay. This blend provides a versatile texture that balances drainage with enough clay to hold nutrients. It is the type of soil that has made the region famous for wheat production.
Productive Soils with Moderate Organic Matter
Organic matter content is 1.69%, which is slightly lower than the state average but sufficient for high-yield farming. The available water capacity of 0.170 in/in provides a reliable buffer during the hot Kansas summers. It is a productive soil that responds well to sustainable farming practices.
Managed Hydrology for Large-Scale Growth
Falling into hydrologic group D, these soils can have a high runoff potential during heavy rains. This requires careful land management to prevent erosion and ensure water actually reaches the root zone. Proper drainage planning is a necessity for any new building or landscaping project.
A Longer Growing Season in Zone 7a
Sumner County enjoys the warmer Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Kansas. This climate and soil combination is perfect for everything from winter wheat to summer melons and lush vegetable plots. Get started now to take advantage of the generous southern Kansas sun.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
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 Sumner County have?
Sumner County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 42% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sumner County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sumner County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Sumner County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sumner County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sumner County's soil?
Based on Sumner County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Sumner County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sumner County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.