Haakon County Soil Data
Haakon County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Haakon County, South Dakota
Markedly Alkaline Soil in Haakon
Haakon County soil is notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.34, which is significantly higher than the state average of 7.05. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the high pH suggests a need for acid-loving plants to receive specialized care.
High Silt and Clay Content
The soil is comprised of 42.4% silt and 35.9% clay, with sand making up only 21.4%. This heavy, fine-textured mix can retain significant nutrients but may become compacted or difficult to work when moisture levels are high.
Low Moisture Retention and Organic Matter
The available water capacity is 0.149 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.182 in/in. With organic matter at 2.34%, the soil is lean compared to state benchmarks, requiring intentional composting to boost its growing potential.
Localized Drainage Needs Investigation
Standardized drainage classes are not fully documented for this county's primary acreage, necessitating on-site percolation tests for builders. The high clay percentage suggests that drainage may be slower than in the sandier counties to the east.
Gardening Success in Zone 4b
In hardiness zone 4b, gardeners should focus on tough, drought-resistant varieties that can handle alkaline conditions. Native grasses and prairie-adapted shrubs are excellent choices for landscaping in this semi-arid environment.
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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Haakon County have?
Haakon County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 42% silt, and 36% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Haakon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Haakon County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Haakon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Haakon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Haakon County's soil?
Based on Haakon County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Haakon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Haakon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Haakon County
Soil Verdict
Haakon 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
Haakon County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Haakon 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.