Perkins County Soil Data
Perkins County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Perkins County, South Dakota
Neutral Soils in the Northwestern Plains
Perkins County soil is nearly perfectly neutral with an average pH of 7.02. This is almost identical to the South Dakota average of 7.05 and slightly higher than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is excellent for nutrient availability in typical prairie crops.
Sandy Character for the Open Range
The soil composition is relatively sandy at 41.7%, complemented by 34.4% silt and 21.7% clay. This higher sand content makes the soil easier to work and less prone to heavy compaction compared to eastern counties. It allows for better aeration around root systems in the semi-arid climate.
Efficient Water Use in Dry Conditions
Organic matter levels sit at 2.87%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is 0.171 in/in, reflecting the sandier nature of the soil. Despite a lower soil score of 56.0, the land remains highly productive for specialized dryland farming.
Natural Drainage on the Prairie
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the 41.7% sand content suggests a well-draining environment. Soil moisture management is key here, as the land may dry out faster than silt-heavy regions. Ranchers and farmers must monitor moisture levels closely during the peak summer heat.
Tough Plants for a Zone 4b Climate
Perkins County is in Hardiness Zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle harsh winters and dry summers. Drought-resistant vegetables and native grasses thrive best in this sandier, neutral soil. Consider using drip irrigation to maximize the efficiency of the available water capacity.
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 Perkins County have?
Perkins County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 34% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Perkins County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perkins 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 Perkins County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Perkins County.
What crops or plants grow well in Perkins County's soil?
Based on Perkins County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Perkins County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Perkins County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Perkins County
Soil Verdict
Perkins 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
Perkins County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Perkins 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.