Aurora County Soil Data
Aurora County, South Dakota
Avg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Aurora County, South Dakota
Alkaline Soils with High Potential
Aurora County features a pH of 6.88, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but more acidic than the South Dakota average of 7.05. The county boasts an impressive overall soil score of 71.1, significantly outperforming the state average of 61.2. While specific taxonomic data is limited, these indicators suggest a highly productive landscape.
Silty Mix for Reliable Farming
The soil composition consists of 45.8% silt and 23.8% clay, creating a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients effectively. A sand content of 30.4% provides enough aeration to prevent the soil from becoming overly compacted. This balanced mix is generally easy to work and maintains good structure for crop roots.
Excellent Water Storage for Crops
Organic matter sits at 3.35%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 3.75%. However, the available water capacity of 0.200 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.182, providing a critical buffer against dry spells. This high water retention capacity makes the county particularly resilient during late-summer heat.
Managing Moisture in the Field
While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the high silt and clay content suggests steady moisture retention. Farmers and builders should monitor for slow runoff during heavy South Dakota rains to prevent localized flooding. This soil profile is generally well-suited for traditional prairie agriculture.
Diverse Options in Zone 5a
The USDA Hardiness Zone 5a climate supports a wide range of hardy perennials and vegetables. With a soil score of 71.1, your land is among the best in the state for a productive home garden. Focus on moisture-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers to take advantage of the high water capacity.
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 Aurora County have?
Aurora County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 46% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Aurora County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Aurora County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Aurora County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Aurora County.
What crops or plants grow well in Aurora County's soil?
Based on Aurora County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Aurora County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Aurora County is not currently available in our dataset.
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Other Counties in South Dakota
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.