Corson County Soil Data
Corson County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Corson County, South Dakota
Neutral prairie soils of Corson
Corson County features an average soil pH of 7.08, sitting right at the state average. This neutral profile provides an excellent foundation for the varied chemistry required by native prairie grasses.
A sandier mix for the West
The soil contains 38.3% sand and 34.6% silt, making it sandier than many eastern South Dakota counties. This higher sand content allows for faster drainage and easier root penetration for native plants.
Lower organic matter in the plains
Organic matter is 2.42%, which falls below the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.162 in/in, meaning the soil holds less moisture for crops during heatwaves.
Moderate quality for rangelands
With a soil score of 49.8, these lands are often best suited for grazing and native hay. The sandier composition suggests that water moves quickly through the topsoil, which can be a challenge during dry years.
Hardy choices for zone 4b
Zone 4b gardeners in Corson should focus on drought-tolerant species. Native shrubs and cold-hardy grains are the most reliable choices for this specific soil and climate combination.
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 Corson County have?
Corson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 35% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Corson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Corson 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 Corson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Corson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Corson County's soil?
Based on Corson 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 Corson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Corson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Corson County
Soil Verdict
Corson 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
Corson County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Corson 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.