Miner County Soil Data
Miner County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Miner County, South Dakota
High-Quality, Near-Neutral Soil
Miner County features high-quality soil with a pH of 6.92, making it more neutral than the state average of 7.05. This excellent balance helps the county achieve a superior soil score of 73.9.
Silt-Dominant Nutrient Powerhouse
The soil is dominated by 50.4% silt, with clay and sand making up the remaining halves. This silty texture is renowned for its ability to hold nutrients while remaining manageable for backyard gardening and farming.
Exceptional Water Retention and Fertility
Fertility is a highlight here, with organic matter at 3.89% and a very high water capacity of 0.205 in/in. These figures outperform state averages, making the land exceptionally resilient to short-term dry spells.
Moderate Drainage for Healthy Roots
The 50.4% silt content usually indicates moderate drainage that supports deep root systems. This allows the soil to stay moist enough for plant health without becoming easily waterlogged.
A Gardener's Dream in Zone 5a
In hardiness zone 5a, Miner County is a dream for growers thanks to its 73.9 soil score. The rich water capacity makes it an ideal spot for high-yield vegetable patches and lush ornamental gardens.
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: Silt 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 Miner County have?
Miner County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 50% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Miner County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Miner 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 Miner County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Miner County.
What crops or plants grow well in Miner County's soil?
Based on Miner County's Silt 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 Miner County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Miner County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Miner County
Soil Verdict
Miner 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
Miner County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Miner 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.