Brown County Soil Data
Brown County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Brown County, South Dakota
Productive Entisol Loam Lands
Brown County features loamy soils belonging to the Entisols order with a pH of 7.12. This is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.05 and the national 6.5 median. With a soil score of 64.4, the county offers higher productivity than the typical South Dakota landscape.
The Ideal Loam Balance
The soil is a classic loam composed of 40.3% silt, 38.0% sand, and 21.7% clay. This mix is often called the 'gold standard' because it balances drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention perfectly. It is highly versatile for everything from row crops to delicate garden vegetables.
Superior Organic and Water Levels
The soil contains 4.06% organic matter, which exceeds the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.189 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.182. This combination ensures that your plants have constant access to both nutrients and moisture.
Well-Drained for Farm and Home
These soils are classified as well-drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This means they manage water effectively during normal rainfall but may have slower infiltration during extreme storms. This classification is generally favorable for home construction and septic systems.
Hardy Harvests in Zone 4a
Zone 4a has a shorter growing season, so choose fast-maturing varieties of corn and squash. The excellent loamy soil and 4.06% organic matter make it easy to grow prize-winning root vegetables like beets and carrots. Your soil is among the most workable and fertile in the northern plains.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Brown County have?
Brown County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brown County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Brown County?
Brown County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Brown County's soil?
Based on Brown County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Brown County?
Brown County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brown County
Soil Verdict
Brown County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Brown County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brown 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.