Turner County Soil Data
Turner County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Turner County, South Dakota
Top-Tier Soil Quality
Turner County boasts a high soil score of 69.4, significantly outperforming the state average of 61.2. The pH is a perfectly neutral 7.00, providing an ideal environment for most plant species.
Highly Versatile Texture
Silt leads the composition at 45.8%, followed by 28.3% sand and 25.9% clay. This balanced distribution creates a versatile soil that manages nutrients and water with high efficiency.
Excellent Fertility and Water
With an organic matter content of 3.96%, the county exceeds the South Dakota average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in is also superior to the state average, signaling excellent productivity.
Productive and Stable Grounds
While official drainage classifications are not listed, the high soil score and balanced texture suggest favorable moisture conditions. This soil reliably supports robust root systems for both crops and native plants.
Abundance in Zone 5a
Hardiness Zone 5a supports a wide range of fruit trees and diverse vegetables. You have some of the best soil in South Dakota, making this the perfect time to plant a productive garden.
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 Turner County have?
Turner County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 46% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Turner County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Turner 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 Turner County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Turner County.
What crops or plants grow well in Turner County's soil?
Based on Turner County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Turner County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Turner County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Turner County
Soil Verdict
Turner 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
Turner County is somewhat warmer than the South Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Turner 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.