Campbell County Soil Data
Campbell County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Campbell County, South Dakota
Alkaline levels typical of the prairie
Campbell County shares a 7.14 pH average with its neighbors, leaning more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil chemistry typical of northern plains grasslands.
Silt-dominant profiles for Campbell
With a composition of 42.9% silt and 34.3% sand, this soil offers a fine-grained foundation. The 22.8% clay content is sufficient to help hold nutrients without creating the heavy workability issues of denser clays.
Healthy organic matter near state norms
The soil holds 3.53% organic matter, nearly matching the South Dakota state average of 3.75%. An available water capacity of 0.183 in/in also aligns perfectly with the state benchmark, providing a reliable reservoir for plant growth.
Reliable moisture for northern fields
Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county. However, the soil score of 60.5 suggests a profile that is generally supportive of agricultural productivity and stable water movement.
Northern gardening in zone 4b
Gardening in Zone 4b requires plants that can handle a short growing season and cold winters. Sunflowers and wheat are regional staples that take well to these silty, fertile soils.
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 Campbell County have?
Campbell County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 43% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Campbell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Campbell 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 Campbell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Campbell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Campbell County's soil?
Based on Campbell County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Campbell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Campbell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Campbell County
Soil Verdict
Campbell 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
Campbell County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Campbell 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.