Lincoln County Soil Data

Lincoln County, South Dakota

Avg 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

Clay Loam
Sand: 21.0%
Silt: 50.8%
Clay: 28.2%
Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.9pH
6.89204322050503
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.