Hughes County Soil Data
Hughes County, South Dakota
Avg pH
7.0
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hughes County, South Dakota
Neutral Soil in the State Capital
Hughes County soil sits at a pH of 7.03, making it almost perfectly neutral compared to the state average of 7.05. This balanced pH is ideal for a wide range of plants, though it remains slightly higher than the national median of 6.5.
Silt and Clay Lead the Mix
The soil is heavy on silt at 48.0%, with 27.4% clay and 23.4% sand. This composition creates a dense, fine-textured soil that is excellent at anchoring roots and holding onto moisture.
Consistent Moisture for Gardening Success
The available water capacity of 0.178 in/in is very close to the state average of 0.182 in/in. With 2.64% organic matter, the soil is moderately fertile, benefiting significantly from seasonal mulch or fertilizer applications.
Fine Textures Influence Water Movement
While drainage class data is not specified, the high silt and clay content suggests that the soil likely retains water for long periods. This can be a challenge for builders, who must ensure proper grading to prevent basement dampness.
Growing Strong in Zone 4b
Hughes County is located in hardiness zone 4b and has a respectable soil score of 56.6. This is a great environment for growing hardy root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that thrive in silty soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hughes County have?
Hughes County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 48% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hughes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hughes County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hughes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hughes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hughes County's soil?
Based on Hughes County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Hughes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hughes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hughes 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.