Day County Soil Data
Day County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Day County, South Dakota
High pH Dominates the Landscape
Day County records an average pH of 7.21, making it notably more alkaline than the national 6.5 benchmark. While specific taxonomic data for this region is limited, the chemical profile suggests a mineral-rich environment. This alkalinity levels out slightly above the South Dakota state average of 7.05.
Heavy Silt and Clay Mix
The soil contains 45.0% silt and 24.8% clay, balanced by 30.2% sand. This high concentration of fine particles creates a dense matrix that retains nutrients well but can become heavy when wet. Farmers must manage this mix carefully to maintain proper aeration for root health.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Day County boasts a high organic matter content of 4.12%, significantly outperforming the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, which provides better moisture storage than the state typical. These figures point to a very fertile foundation for regional agriculture.
Observing Moisture in the Field
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for Day County. However, the 24.8% clay content suggests the soil likely holds water longer than sandier neighbors. Local observers should monitor for slow runoff during heavy spring rains.
Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 4b
As a Zone 4b region, Day County requires plants that can withstand deep winter freezes. The respectable soil score of 63.8 suggests high productivity for cool-weather crops like brassicas and small grains. Gardeners should take advantage of the high organic matter to grow nutrient-dense produce.
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 Day County have?
Day County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 45% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Day County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Day County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Day County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Day County.
What crops or plants grow well in Day County's soil?
Based on Day County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Day County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Day County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Day County
Soil Verdict
Day 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
Day County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Day 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.