Jerauld County Soil Data
Jerauld County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jerauld County, South Dakota
Superior Quality Scores
Jerauld County achieves a soil score of 69.3, placing it well above the South Dakota average of 61.2. Its 6.89 pH level is remarkably close to the neutral point, proving more balanced than the typical 7.05 state average.
Versatile Silty Textures
The soil consists of 44.6% silt and 30.6% sand, creating a textured environment that balances water retention with aeration. This mix makes the land relatively easy to work while keeping nutrient leaching to a minimum.
Rich Organic Reservoirs
With 3.48% organic matter, these soils are significantly richer than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in also beats the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for thirsty crops.
Productive Agricultural Landscape
The overall soil quality score indicates a landscape highly suited for diverse agricultural uses and stable hydrology. High silt levels suggest that while the soil holds moisture effectively, it remains vulnerable to erosion if not managed carefully.
Thriving in Zone 5a
The Zone 5a climate in Jerauld County is perfect for established orchards or vegetable patches. Try planting snap peas or leafy greens early in the spring to take advantage of the county’s productive 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: 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 Jerauld County have?
Jerauld County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 45% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jerauld County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jerauld 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 Jerauld County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jerauld County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jerauld County's soil?
Based on Jerauld County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Jerauld County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jerauld County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jerauld County
Soil Verdict
Jerauld County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Jerauld County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jerauld 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.