Lake County Soil Data
Lake County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lake County, South Dakota
Premium Agricultural Grounds
Lake County boasts a high soil score of 72.7, reflecting its superior value compared to the state average of 61.2. The 6.86 pH level is closer to the national ideal of 6.5 than the typical state average.
Dominant Silt Texture
Silt is the dominant player here at 49.2%, giving the soil a smooth, flour-like texture. With 26.0% clay, the soil provides a robust structure for nutrient storage without becoming overly difficult to plow.
Elite Organic Matter
The organic matter content is a healthy 3.86%, surpassing the 3.75% state average and nearly doubling the national average. Available water capacity is also high at 0.199 in/in, marking this as some of the most resilient soil in the region.
Excellent Water Retention
The high silt and organic matter percentages indicate excellent water-holding capabilities for the county. These soils are primed for high-yield farming and gardening due to their superior nutrient and moisture profiles.
Root Vegetable Paradise
Gardeners in Zone 4b can take advantage of this high-quality soil to grow highly productive vegetable gardens. The fertile ground is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like beets and potatoes.
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 Lake County have?
Lake County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 49% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lake County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lake 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 Lake County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lake County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lake County's soil?
Based on Lake 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 Lake County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lake County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lake County
Soil Verdict
Lake 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
Lake County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lake 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.