Hughes County Soil Data
Hughes County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hughes County
Soil Verdict
Hughes 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
Hughes County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
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.