Wyandotte County Soil Data
Wyandotte County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wyandotte County, Kansas
Wyandotte’s Balanced and High-Quality Foundation
Wyandotte County features a soil pH of 6.46, nearly matching the national median of 6.5 for near-perfect acidity levels. While taxonomic data remains limited, the county earns an impressive soil score of 72.4, far outperforming the Kansas state average of 55.4. This balance provides a stable and versatile chemistry for local agriculture.
A Silty Mix Built for Workability
The local soil is defined by a high silt content of 55.5%, supported by 24.2% clay and 19.9% sand. This composition creates a smooth texture that is easier to work than heavy clay while retaining more nutrients than sandier soils. It offers a reliable medium for roots to penetrate and establish themselves.
Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter in the county reaches 2.72%, notably higher than the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% baseline. The soil also holds water effectively, with an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in compared to the Kansas average of 0.180 in/in. These rich levels signify high natural fertility and drought resilience.
Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Soils
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable, the 24.2% clay content indicates the soil holds moisture well for crops. Gardeners and builders should account for the high silt levels, which provide good structure but can be prone to erosion if not managed correctly. Proper site planning ensures these water-retentive soils remain productive.
Diverse Potential in Hardiness Zone 6b
In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Wyandotte County gardeners can successfully grow everything from leafy greens to robust fruit trees. The combination of high organic matter and a neutral pH creates an elite environment for a backyard garden. With soil health scores significantly above the state average, now is the perfect time to start planting.
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 Wyandotte County have?
Wyandotte County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 55% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wyandotte County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wyandotte 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 Wyandotte County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wyandotte County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wyandotte County's soil?
Based on Wyandotte County's Silt 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 Wyandotte County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wyandotte County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wyandotte County
Soil Verdict
Wyandotte 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
Wyandotte County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wyandotte 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.