Hamlin County Soil Data
Hamlin County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hamlin County, South Dakota
Near Neutral pH Supports Growth
Hamlin County maintains a pH of 7.08, which is nearly identical to the South Dakota state average. This neutral profile is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but provides an excellent baseline for most traditional midwestern crops.
Silt-Dominated Soil for Smooth Texture
The soil composition is 47.8% silt, 27.6% sand, and 24.6% clay, creating a smooth and workable texture. This high silt content makes the ground prone to holding onto essential minerals required for plant development.
Elite Organic Matter and Water Storage
At 4.00%, the organic matter content in Hamlin County is among the highest in the state, easily beating the 3.75% average. Combined with a superior available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, this soil is built for high-yield productivity.
Predicting Flow from Soil Texture
While official drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high silt and clay levels suggest moderate drainage speeds. Builders and farmers should monitor for seasonal saturation, as the soil is excellent at holding onto every drop of rain.
A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 4b
With a high soil score of 66.9, Hamlin County is an ideal spot for a backyard vegetable garden in zone 4b. Focus on nutrient-hungry crops like tomatoes and peppers, which will thrive in this organic-rich 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: 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 Hamlin County have?
Hamlin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 48% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hamlin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hamlin 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 Hamlin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hamlin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hamlin County's soil?
Based on Hamlin 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 Hamlin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hamlin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hamlin County
Soil Verdict
Hamlin 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
Hamlin County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hamlin 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.