Charles Mix County Soil Data

Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Avg pH

7.1

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

3.0%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Balanced pH near the Missouri River

Charles Mix County maintains an average soil pH of 7.08, almost identical to the state average of 7.05. This neutral-to-slightly alkaline profile is ideal for making a wide range of nutrients available to crops.

A silty foundation for farming

Silt makes up nearly half of the soil at 49.4%, combined with 25.6% clay and 24.7% sand. This high silt content makes for a smooth soil that retains moisture well and is generally easy to till.

Strong water capacity for crops

At 3.03%, organic matter is slightly lower than the state average but still provides a healthy base for microbial life. The available water capacity of 0.183 in/in meets the state average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Productive soils along the riverbank

While specific hydrologic groups are not listed in this dataset, the county's soil score of 59.5 indicates solid productivity. These silty soils typically offer a moderate drainage rate suitable for diverse agriculture.

Expanding choices in zone 5a

Being in Zone 5a allows for a slightly wider variety of crops than the northern counties. Corn and soybeans thrive in this climate, and home gardeners can enjoy a decent selection of fruit trees.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 24.7%
Silt: 49.4%
Clay: 25.6%
Loam

Soil pH

7.1pH
7.08240896148151
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Charles Mix County have?

Charles Mix County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 49% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Charles Mix County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Charles Mix 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 Charles Mix County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Charles Mix County.

What crops or plants grow well in Charles Mix County's soil?

Based on Charles Mix 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 Charles Mix County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Charles Mix County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.