McCook County Soil Data

McCook County, South Dakota

Avg 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

Loam
Sand: 28.8%
Silt: 45.5%
Clay: 25.7%
Loam

Soil pH

7.0pH
6.97390006923727
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: 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 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.

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.