Miner County Soil Data

Miner County, South Dakota

Avg 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

Silt Loam
Sand: 23.9%
Silt: 50.4%
Clay: 25.7%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.9pH
6.91906116425906
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: Silt 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 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.

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.