Sanborn County Soil Data
Sanborn County, South Dakota
Avg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Neutral Plains Soil in Sanborn County
Sanborn County soil maintains a near-neutral pH of 6.94, which is very close to the state average of 7.05. This level is ideal for most Midwestern agriculture, as it doesn't require heavy lime applications to balance acidity. The lack of specific taxonomic data is offset by this very stable pH reading.
Sandy Texture for Easy Working
The soil is quite sandy at 47.4%, making it one of the more porous compositions in the region. Combined with 33.9% silt and only 18.7% clay, the soil is light and very easy to till. However, this high sand content means the soil may require more careful nutrient management than heavier clays.
Managing Efficiency on the Prairie
The organic matter content is 2.85%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national 2.0% benchmark. Available water capacity is 0.168 in/in, suggesting that the soil dries out faster than the state average of 0.182. This results in a soil score of 56.6, indicating a need for diligent irrigation.
Porous Soils Require Water Wisdom
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 50% sand content implies a well-drained to somewhat excessively drained profile. This is beneficial for preventing root rot but challenging during the hot, dry South Dakota summers. Landowners should prioritize organic mulches to help hold moisture in the root zone.
Zone 5a Gardening and Growth
In Zone 5a, Sanborn County gardeners can enjoy a diverse range of vegetables and hardy fruits. The sandy soil is a dream for root crops like carrots and radishes, which can expand easily without hitting heavy clay. Start your garden today and enjoy the easy-to-work, light-textured earth.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sanborn County have?
Sanborn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 34% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sanborn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sanborn 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 Sanborn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sanborn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sanborn County's soil?
Based on Sanborn County's 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 Sanborn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sanborn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sanborn 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.