Kingsbury County Soil Data
Kingsbury County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kingsbury County, South Dakota
Ideal South Dakota Standard
Kingsbury County soil aligns perfectly with state norms, showing a pH of 7.06. This is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median but remains within a very productive range for local agriculture.
Balanced Silt and Sand
A balanced mix of 47.4% silt and 28.4% sand creates a versatile medium for root development. This texture allows for efficient water movement while providing enough clay at 24.3% to lock in essential minerals.
High Nutrient Capacity
Organic matter matches the state average at 3.77%, which is nearly double the national average of 2.0%. A high available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures that crops have access to water deep into the growing season.
High Potential Landscape
The soil quality score of 68.0 reflects a landscape with high agricultural potential and reliable hydrology. The silt-heavy profile generally supports good drainage, though it remains prone to surface crusting if soil is left bare.
Cold Tolerant Bounty
Within Hardiness Zone 4b, you must choose varieties that can handle a shorter summer. Cold-tolerant crops like kale and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices for these nutrient-rich eastern South Dakota soils.
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 Kingsbury County have?
Kingsbury County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 47% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kingsbury County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kingsbury County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Kingsbury County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kingsbury County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kingsbury County's soil?
Based on Kingsbury County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Kingsbury County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kingsbury County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kingsbury County
Soil Verdict
Kingsbury 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
Kingsbury County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kingsbury 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.