Hand County Soil Data
Hand County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Gravelly sandy loam
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Hand County, South Dakota
Rich Mollisols and Ideal pH
Hand County features the highly productive Mollisols order, typical of the world's best grasslands. Its average pH of 6.88 is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most South Dakota counties, making it versatile for many plant species.
Gravelly Sandy Loam Mix
The soil is primarily a gravelly sandy loam, containing 44.4% silt, 29.8% sand, and 25.8% clay. This texture offers a great balance between structural stability for building and ease of tillage for farming.
Exceptional Water Capacity for Crops
Hand County boasts an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.182 in/in. Although organic matter sits slightly lower than the state average at 3.21%, the soil remains highly fertile and responsive.
Excellent Drainage for Active Use
The soil is classified as excessively drained and falls into hydrologic group A, which means water moves through it effortlessly. This rapid drainage minimizes the risk of muddy yards but may require more frequent watering during dry spells.
High-Quality Growing in Zone 4b
A soil score of 66.5 indicates high agricultural potential for this zone 4b region. Gardeners should consider planting deep-rooted perennials that can take full advantage of the high water capacity deep in the soil profile.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hand County have?
Hand County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 44% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hand County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hand 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 Hand County?
Hand County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Hand County's soil?
Based on Hand County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 6.9, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Hand County?
Hand County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hand County
Soil Verdict
Hand 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
Hand County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hand 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.