Kay County Soil Data
Kay County, Oklahoma
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Kay County, Oklahoma
Silty Soils on the Northern Border
Kay County features a soil pH of 6.27, making it more alkaline than the state average of 6.06. This value is just below the national median of 6.5, creating an ideal range for traditional wheat and grain production. There is no specific taxonomic order recorded, but the pH suggests high mineral availability.
High Silt Levels for Smooth Texture
The soil composition is dominated by 40.9% silt, paired with 30.7% sand and 20.2% clay. This silty character makes the ground feel smooth and provides excellent capillary action for moving water to plant roots. It is highly fertile but can be prone to surface crusting after heavy rains.
Top-Tier Water Holding Capacity
With an available water capacity of 0.161 in/in, Kay County far exceeds the state average of 0.144. Organic matter sits at 1.58%, which is strong for the region even if it trails the 2.0% national average. This high water retention makes the county’s soil some of the most drought-resilient in northern Oklahoma.
Managing Slow Water Infiltration
The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates a very slow rate of water transmission. While specific drainage class data is limited, the high silt and clay content suggest that fields may remain wet for extended periods. Effective drainage management is key for optimizing planting windows in the spring.
A Harvest Haven in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, Kay County is perfect for cool-season grains and robust vegetable gardens. The silty, water-rich soil is a dream for growing leafy greens, root crops, and brassicas. If you enjoy gardening, the high water capacity here gives you a significant head start during the summer heat.
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: Water
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kay County have?
Kay County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 41% silt, and 20% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Kay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kay County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Kay County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kay County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kay County's soil?
Based on Kay County's Water texture, pH of 6.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Kay County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kay County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kay County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Oklahoma
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.