Hyde County Soil Data
Hyde County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hyde County, South Dakota
Balanced pH for Prairie Crops
Hyde County soils maintain a pH of 6.97, resting comfortably between the national median and the slightly more alkaline state average of 7.05. This neutral balance supports a wide variety of crop types without requiring intensive chemical adjustments.
Silty-Clay Soil Structure
A silty-clay mix dominates the landscape, featuring 43.6% silt and 27.1% clay. This combination provides a solid foundation for holding onto essential nutrients while maintaining a manageable texture for mechanical tilling.
Strong Water Storage Capacity
Organic matter levels reach 3.02%, which beats the national average but falls short of the robust 3.75% found across the state. However, the available water capacity of 0.185 in/in stays above the state benchmark, ensuring crops stay hydrated during dry spells.
Monitoring Moisture and Compaction
The high silt and clay content suggests a landscape that holds moisture well, even though specific drainage classes are not recorded. Producers should monitor for potential soil compaction to maintain healthy root growth and water movement.
Short Seasons in Zone 4b
Situated in Hardiness Zone 4b, Hyde County presents a short but intense growing season. You can find success with short-season corn or hardy perennials like peonies that withstand the chilly prairie winters.
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 Hyde County have?
Hyde County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 44% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hyde County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hyde 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 Hyde County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hyde County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hyde County's soil?
Based on Hyde County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Hyde County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hyde County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hyde County
Soil Verdict
Hyde 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
Hyde County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hyde 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.