Potter County Soil Data
Potter County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Potter County, South Dakota
Balanced Neutrality in Potter County
Potter County features a pH of 7.02, matching the state’s neutral trend. This score is slightly above the national median of 6.5, creating an environment where most minerals remain soluble for plant uptake. While taxonomic data is unlisted, the pH suggests a stable chemical foundation.
Silt-Heavy Soils for Consistent Growth
The soil is largely comprised of 48.5% silt, giving it a smooth texture and good nutrient-holding capacity. With 26.2% sand and 25.4% clay, the mix is well-balanced for agricultural production. This composition helps the soil maintain its structure even under heavy machinery use.
Strong Water Retention for Crops
Potter County boasts a high available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.182. Organic matter is solid at 3.48%, which is well above the national benchmark of 2.0%. These factors earn the county a respectable soil score of 65.6.
Moisture Management in the Missouri Valley
Formal drainage classifications are currently unavailable for this county-wide data set. However, the high silt percentage typically points to moderate drainage and excellent moisture storage. Proper field leveling and drainage planning can help prevent waterlogging in the silty lowlands.
Diverse Opportunities in Zone 4b
As part of Hardiness Zone 4b, Potter County is suited for cool-season crops and hardy grains. The high water capacity makes it an excellent location for vegetables like potatoes and carrots that need steady moisture. Gardeners should feel encouraged by the county’s above-average soil score.
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 Potter County have?
Potter County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 48% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Potter County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Potter 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 Potter County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Potter County.
What crops or plants grow well in Potter County's soil?
Based on Potter 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 Potter County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Potter County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Potter County
Soil Verdict
Potter 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
Potter County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Potter 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.