Charles Mix County Soil Data
Charles Mix County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Charles Mix County
Soil Verdict
Charles Mix County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Charles Mix County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Charles Mix 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.