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Ozark Plateau

September 4, 2013 by hsotr

Ozark Plateau

The Ozark Plateau, located in the very southeastern corner of Kansas, is characterized by rolling hills and forests. Occupying only 55 square miles in Cherokee County, this is the smallest physiographic region in the state.

Soil

The soils on the steep slopes of the area are moist, but they are also thin, rocky, acidic, and highly leached of nutrients. The Ozark Plateau has the dubious distinction of being the least fertile region in the state.

Vegetation

The Ozark Plateau is primarily covered with hardwood forest. Some grassland still remains, but most of it has given way to cropland.

Water

Rainfall is abundant in the Ozark Plateau region, but the area is plagued with poor-quality groundwater. Runoff from abandoned mine shafts has contaminated the aquifer system, and an underground layer of salt water has been creeping in from the west. Water quality is being carefully monitored throughout the region.

Climate

The Ozark Plateau receives over 40 inches of precipitation annually, making this the wettest region in Kansas.

Ozark Plateau
© 2013 Homestead on the Range

 

Agriculture

The majority of the region is unsuitable for agriculture. However, small areas of both grassland and cropland exist, as mentioned above. Most of the crops grown in this region are located along Shoal Creek and Spring River.

Also of Interest

The leached soils and water quality issues are leftovers from the Ozark Plateau’s mining heritage. Deposits of lead and zinc attracted many to the area during the early 1900s. Mining slowly came to an end after World War II, and now the mines are abandoned.

Helpful Resource

Collapsed Mine Near Galena
Photo from the Kansas Geological Survey.

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Filed Under: The Sunflower State Tagged With: Nature, Soil, Travel, Water, Weather

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About hsotr

Motivated by her experience growing up on a small farm near Wichita, Kansas, Michelle Lindsey started Homestead on the Range to supply Kansas country living enthusiasts with the innovative resources that they need to succeed and has now been keeping families informed and inspired for over five years. Michelle is the author of three country living books. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream.

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