McPherson County Soil Data
McPherson County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McPherson County, South Dakota
Healthy, Standardized Northern Soil
McPherson County has a pH of 7.10, aligning almost perfectly with South Dakota’s state average of 7.05. This slightly alkaline environment supports a healthy soil score of 66.6.
Sandier Mix for Better Aeration
A notable 37.6% sand content is paired with 40.1% silt and 22.3% clay. This sandier mix allows for better root aeration and easier tilling compared to the heavier clay soils found in the southern part of the state.
High Water Capacity and Strong Matter
The organic matter content is robust at 3.83%, beating the state average of 3.75%. Plants here benefit from an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, providing excellent drought resilience.
Quick Spring Drying for Early Planting
The high sand percentage generally points toward a well-drained profile that avoids long-term waterlogging. This helps the ground warm up and dry out faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting dates.
Cool-Season Success in Zone 4b
In hardiness zone 4b, McPherson County is ideal for cold-hardy crops and grains. The superior water capacity and organic matter levels provide a great foundation for a thriving home vegetable 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: 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 McPherson County have?
McPherson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McPherson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McPherson County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for McPherson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McPherson County.
What crops or plants grow well in McPherson County's soil?
Based on McPherson County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in McPherson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McPherson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McPherson County
Soil Verdict
McPherson 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
McPherson County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McPherson 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.