Spink County Soil Data
Spink County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Spink County, South Dakota
Neutral Soils with High Performance
Spink County's soil features a pH of 7.05, matching the state average and sitting slightly above the national median of 6.5. This neutral balance contributes to an overall soil score of 68.9, which significantly outperforms the state average of 61.2.
A Stable Silty Foundation
The soil composition is 45.2% silt and 23.0% clay, with sand making up the remaining 31.9%. This mix provides a stable foundation that balances mineral richness with structural integrity for agriculture.
Superior Organic Wealth
Organic matter content reaches 4.15%, which is much higher than the national 2.0% average and the state's 3.75%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, this land offers excellent growing potential.
Productive Land with High Potential
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available, the high soil score suggests favorable physical properties. The soil profile effectively supports the county's diverse agricultural needs.
Ideal for Hardy Northern Crops
Situated in Hardiness Zone 4b, Spink County is perfect for cool-season grains and resilient vegetables. Your soil's organic wealth provides a significant advantage for any new gardening project.
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 Spink County have?
Spink County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 45% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Spink County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Spink 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 Spink County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Spink County.
What crops or plants grow well in Spink County's soil?
Based on Spink 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 Spink County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Spink County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Spink County
Soil Verdict
Spink 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
Spink County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Spink 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.