Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, South Dakota
Avg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, South Dakota
Balanced pH for Douglas County
Douglas County features an average pH of 6.89, making it one of the most neutral soils in the state. This is very close to the ideal 6.5-7.0 range for most garden plants and is lower than the South Dakota average of 7.05. Taxonomic data for these specific soils is not currently available.
Silty Soils with Great Potential
The composition is dominated by 48.2% silt, along with 28.6% sand and 23.2% clay. This high silt fraction gives the soil a smooth texture and excellent nutrient-holding capacity. It is generally easier to till than soils with higher clay concentrations.
Superior Moisture Holding Capacity
The available water capacity in Douglas County is 0.198 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.182 in/in. While the 3.50% organic matter is slightly below the state average, it remains far above the national 2.0% benchmark. This combination yields an impressive soil score of 70.7.
Analyzing Silt-Driven Drainage
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the nearly 50% silt content suggests moderate to slow drainage speeds. Soils with this much silt can hold water for long periods, which is a boon for crops during dry South Dakota summers. Monitoring for compaction is important in these silty environments.
Prime Growing Conditions in 5a
Sitting in USDA Zone 5a, Douglas County offers a slightly longer growing season than northern neighbors. The high soil score of 70.7 makes this a premier location for diverse gardening and robust crop yields. You can confidently plant everything from sweet corn to perennial flowers here.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 48% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.