Brookings County Soil Data
Brookings County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Brookings County, South Dakota
High-Quality Eastern Dakota Soil
Brookings County soil has a pH of 7.04, perfectly aligning with the state average and exceeding the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score is an impressive 67.6, which is notably higher than the state average of 61.2. These numbers reflect some of the most consistent and productive land in the region.
Balanced Silt and Clay Mix
The composition is 45.8% silt, 29.3% sand, and 24.9% clay, creating a heavy but fertile profile. This ratio ensures that the soil does not dry out too quickly while maintaining enough structure to support large crops. It provides a rich reservoir of nutrients for both gardens and large-scale farms.
Above-Average Organic Richness
Organic matter is a robust 4.14%, significantly beating both the state average of 3.75% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile. It provides a resilient foundation that supports vigorous growth throughout the season.
Steady Moisture for Deep Roots
Though specific drainage classes are missing from this data, the 24.9% clay content suggests the soil retains water and nutrients very well. This is an asset for deep-rooted perennials but may require careful management to avoid compaction. Local builders should check for high water tables in this silty-clay landscape.
Garden Success in Zone 4b
The Zone 4b climate is ideal for cool-weather favorites like peas, broccoli, and spinach. Your high organic matter of 4.14% means you can grow intensive, high-yield vegetable beds with minimal extra fertilizer. It is a fantastic location for starting a sustainable organic garden.
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 Brookings County have?
Brookings County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 46% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brookings County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brookings County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Brookings County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brookings County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brookings County's soil?
Based on Brookings County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Brookings County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brookings County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brookings County
Soil Verdict
Brookings 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
Brookings County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brookings 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.