Beadle County Soil Data
Beadle County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Beadle County, South Dakota
Versatile Soils for Central Dakota
Beadle County presents a pH of 6.89, placing it slightly above the 6.5 national median but below the 7.05 state average. The overall soil score of 62.3 sits just above the South Dakota average, indicating reliable productivity. This nearly neutral pH level is ideal for the uptake of essential plant nutrients.
Sand-Forward Texture for Easy Working
The soil contains 42.0% sand, which is higher than many neighboring counties, paired with 37.9% silt and 20.0% clay. This sand-dominant mix improves drainage and makes the ground easier to till or dig. It is less prone to the heavy crusting often found in high-clay regions.
Steady Growth with Solid Matter
Organic matter levels reach 3.21%, easily surpassing the national average of 2.0% but falling short of the state’s 3.75% benchmark. The available water capacity is 0.181 in/in, which aligns perfectly with the state average of 0.182. These factors combine to create a dependable environment for regional field crops.
Aeration and Drainage Advantages
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the 42.0% sand content typically indicates good internal drainage and root aeration. This prevents waterlogging during the spring thaw but may require more frequent irrigation in mid-summer. Homeowners will find these soils generally favorable for building foundations and landscaping.
Cool-Season Success in Zone 4b
The Zone 4b climate means gardeners should focus on cold-hardy staples like kale, carrots, and potatoes. Your sandy soil warms up quickly in the spring, giving you an edge on early-season planting. This is a great environment for establishing fruit trees like apples and plums.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Beadle County have?
Beadle County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 38% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Beadle County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Beadle 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 Beadle County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Beadle County.
What crops or plants grow well in Beadle County's soil?
Based on Beadle 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 Beadle County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Beadle County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Beadle County
Soil Verdict
Beadle County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Beadle County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Beadle County on LawnByCounty.com →
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.