Lincoln County Soil Data
Lincoln County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lincoln County, South Dakota
Balanced and Productive Lincoln Soil
Lincoln County features a nearly neutral pH of 6.89, sitting slightly above the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemical profile supports a strong soil score of 68.8, outperforming the state average of 61.2.
A Smooth, Silt-Heavy Texture
The soil is dominated by 50.8% silt and 28.2% clay, creating a smooth texture that manages moisture effectively. This mixture offers excellent workability for farmers while providing enough clay structure to retain essential nutrients.
High Water Capacity and Rich Matter
Organic matter levels reach 3.66%, nearly double the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, this soil acts as a reliable reservoir for crops during the summer months.
Steady Hydration Without Excessive Runoff
While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt profile suggests water moves through the soil at a moderate, steady pace. This naturally prevents rapid runoff and makes the land stable for both agriculture and local building projects.
Thriving in Zone 5a
Located in hardiness zone 5a, Lincoln County is ideal for corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. The high soil score makes this an inviting landscape for anyone looking to start a productive home garden.
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 Lincoln County have?
Lincoln County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 51% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lincoln County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lincoln County's soil?
Based on Lincoln County's Clay 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 Lincoln County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lincoln County
Soil Verdict
Lincoln 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
Lincoln County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lincoln 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.