Harding County Soil Data
Harding County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Harding County, South Dakota
Sandy Soil with Moderate Alkalinity
Harding County soil has a pH of 7.08, placing it just slightly above the state average of 7.05. This profile is generally hospitable, though it is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.
A Sand-Heavy Soil Profile
Harding County features a high sand content of 46.3%, paired with 29.8% silt and 20.5% clay. This sandy texture provides excellent aeration for roots but may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.
Navigating Lean Organic Content
The soil contains 2.15% organic matter, which is lower than the state average but slightly above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.155 in/in, reflecting the lower moisture retention typical of sandy western soils.
Sandy Texture Implies Fast Drainage
Though the specific drainage class isn't listed, the high 46.3% sand content ensures that water typically moves through the soil profile quickly. This prevents waterlogging but requires gardeners to be diligent about consistent irrigation.
Tough Plants for Hardiness Zone 4b
With a soil score of 46.0, gardening in Harding County requires some strategy, such as using raised beds or adding compost. Native shrubs and drought-tolerant perennials will perform best in this zone 4b climate.
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 Harding County have?
Harding County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 30% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Harding County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Harding 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 Harding County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Harding County.
What crops or plants grow well in Harding County's soil?
Based on Harding 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 Harding County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Harding County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Harding County
Soil Verdict
Harding 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
Harding County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Harding 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.