McCook County Soil Data
McCook County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McCook County, South Dakota
Top-Tier Soil in McCook County
McCook County boasts a near-perfect neutral pH of 6.97, fostering an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. This contributes to an impressive soil score of 70.8, one of the highest in the region.
Easy-to-Cultivate Silty Texture
The soil is composed of 45.5% silt and 28.8% sand, creating a texture that is generally easy to till and cultivate. The 25.7% clay content acts as a natural binder, helping to prevent erosion while holding vital moisture.
Excellent Fertility and Water Storage
With organic matter at 3.91%, the county exceeds the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.200 in/in, offering a reliable water reservoir for thirsty crops throughout the growing season.
Effective Natural Water Cycling
The significant silt and sand portions indicate that this soil manages water cycles effectively. This makes McCook an attractive location for both intensive agricultural production and new residential development.
Abundant Gardening in Zone 5a
Gardeners in zone 5a can grow everything from tomatoes to fruit trees in this high-scoring soil. The combination of rich organic matter and water capacity makes McCook a standout for any agricultural project.
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 McCook County have?
McCook County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 46% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McCook County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McCook County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for McCook County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McCook County.
What crops or plants grow well in McCook County's soil?
Based on McCook County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 McCook County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McCook County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McCook County
Soil Verdict
McCook 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
McCook County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McCook 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.