Stanley County Soil Data
Stanley County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stanley County, South Dakota
Alkaline Soils on the Plains
Stanley County soils show a pH of 7.27, making them more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score of 44.4 reflects more challenging conditions compared to the South Dakota average of 61.2.
Dense Clay-Heavy Texture
A high clay concentration of 36.3% defines the local texture, while sand accounts for only 17.7%. This density means the soil holds nutrients tightly but can be physically difficult to work with tools.
Modest Organic and Water Reserves
Organic matter levels sit at 2.50%, falling below the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in also trails the state average, suggesting plants may require extra attention during dry periods.
Tough Physical Ground Properties
Official drainage data are not listed, though the heavy clay content typically points toward slower water movement. Builders and farmers must account for this density when planning drainage or foundations.
Resilient Plants Thrive in 4b
Hardiness Zone 4b favors root vegetables and northern-adapted perennials that can handle the clay. Despite lower soil scores, adding organic amendments can help you build a productive garden over time.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stanley County have?
Stanley County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 45% silt, and 36% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stanley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stanley County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Stanley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stanley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stanley County's soil?
Based on Stanley County's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Stanley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stanley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stanley County
Soil Verdict
Stanley 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
Stanley County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stanley 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.