Butte County Soil Data
Butte County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Gravelly loam
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Butte County, South Dakota
Young alkaline soils of Butte County
Butte County features Entisols, a young soil order often found on shifting landscapes. Its 7.14 average pH is more alkaline than the national 6.5 median and slightly exceeds the state average of 7.05.
A gravelly loam with balanced texture
The soil contains 37.3% silt, 32.0% sand, and 28.5% clay. This gravelly loam texture provides a mix of particle sizes that supports structural stability while remaining workable for local agricultural uses.
Lower water capacity than state averages
Organic matter sits at 2.23%, which is well below the South Dakota average of 3.75%. This lower organic content, paired with an available water capacity of 0.159 in/in, makes consistent moisture management critical for local crops.
Excessive drainage in hydrologic group A
The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means water moves through the profile very rapidly, reducing runoff but requiring more frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants.
Tough plants for zone 4b
This county falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. While the soil score of 46.6 is lower than the state average, hardy grains and drought-tolerant perennials can flourish here with proper care.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Butte County have?
Butte County's soil is classified as Gravelly loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 37% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Butte County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Butte 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 Butte County?
Butte County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Butte County's soil?
Based on Butte County's Gravelly loam texture, pH of 7.1, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Butte County?
Butte 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: Butte County
Soil Verdict
Butte 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
Butte County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Butte 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.