Anoka County Soil Data
Anoka County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
12.0%
Hydrologic Group
A/D
Data Story
About Soil in Anoka County, Minnesota
Acidic Loamy Sands of Anoka
Anoka features Entisols with a loamy sand texture and a pH of 5.30. This acidic profile sits well below the state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.
Sand-Dominant Composition
A high sand content of 65.4% defines the area, paired with 23.9% silt and 8.4% clay. While easy to till, this sandy mix loses moisture and nutrients faster than heavier soils found elsewhere in the state.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
With 12.02% organic matter, these soils are richer than the state average of 9.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.170 in/in is lower than the Minnesota benchmark, requiring frequent irrigation.
Very Poor Drainage Challenges
Despite the high sand content, the county is often classified as very poorly drained due to low-lying topography. Growers should manage the A/D hydrologic group's variable water table by using raised beds.
Zone 4b Gardening Success
Zone 4b is ideal for asparagus and strawberries that enjoy well-worked, sandy ground. Lean into the high organic content to produce a vibrant landscape in your own backyard.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Anoka County have?
Anoka County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 65% sand, 24% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Anoka County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Anoka County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Anoka County?
Anoka County has a dominant drainage class of "Very poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Anoka County's soil?
Based on Anoka County's Loamy sand texture, pH of 5.3, and Very poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Anoka County?
Anoka County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Anoka County
Soil Verdict
Anoka 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
Anoka County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Anoka County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Minnesota
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.