Todd County Soil Data
Todd County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Todd County, South Dakota
Unique High-Organic Landscapes
Todd County features a pH of 6.89, placing it slightly above the 6.5 national median. The county’s soil profile is distinctive, resulting in an overall soil score of 55.9.
Sandy and Workable Earth
Sand dominates this landscape at 58.5%, while clay makes up only 12.3%. This sandy profile ensures very high workability for gardeners, though it requires careful management of water.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
The soil contains a massive 6.02% organic matter, nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.136 in/in because sand allows moisture to pass through quickly.
Rapid Moisture Movement
Formal drainage data are not recorded, but the high sand percentage implies very rapid water movement. Gardeners should plan for frequent irrigation to fully utilize the rich organic reserves.
Thriving in Zone 5a
Hardiness Zone 5a allows for a longer season for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. Use that incredible organic matter to grow a lush garden that takes advantage of the warmer local climate.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Todd County have?
Todd County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 23% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Todd County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Todd 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 Todd County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Todd County.
What crops or plants grow well in Todd County's soil?
Based on Todd County's Sandy 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 Todd County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Todd County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Todd County
Soil Verdict
Todd County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Todd County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Todd 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.