Jones County Soil Data
Jones County, South Dakota
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jones County, South Dakota
High Alkaline Clay Soils
Jones County soil is notably alkaline, with a pH of 7.33 that exceeds both the state and national averages. This chemical profile often requires specific crop selections that can tolerate higher lime content in the ground.
Dense Clay Foundations
Heavy clay at 39.2% defines the soil structure here, significantly impacting how the land breathes and drains. While this high clay content makes the ground harder to till, it provides excellent stability for heavy structures.
Managing Water Retention
Organic matter sits at 2.50%, which is better than the national baseline but trails the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, requiring careful moisture management.
Heavy Soil Drainage Needs
The dense clay composition typically leads to slower drainage and high water retention during heavy rains. Farmers and builders must account for this "heavy" soil when planning irrigation systems or building foundations.
Squash and Heavy Feeders
Zone 5a offers a solid window for gardening, even with the challenging soil texture. Focus on heavy feeders like squash or pumpkins that can thrive in clay-heavy environments with a little supplemental compost.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jones County have?
Jones County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 42% silt, and 39% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jones County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jones County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Jones County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jones County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jones County's soil?
Based on Jones County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Jones County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jones County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jones 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.