Becker County Soil Data
Becker County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Becker County, Minnesota
The State Benchmark for pH
Becker County perfectly matches the Minnesota state average pH of 6.21. This near-neutral acidity provides a stable chemical base compared to the national median of 6.5.
Balanced Texture and Workability
The soil consists of 47.2% sand, 32.1% silt, and 16.6% clay. This moderate balance provides enough clay for nutrient retention without sacrificing the ease of tillage.
Steady Growth Potential
Organic matter levels stand at 8.42%, slightly below the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in ensures that plants have steady access to moisture throughout the season.
Reliable Foundation for Farming
While specific drainage and hydrologic class data are currently unavailable, the soil composition suggests a functional balance. Proper site-specific testing is recommended for major construction or irrigation projects.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4a
Located in Zone 4a, this region is famous for hardy grains and cool-season vegetables. Start your garden with confidence knowing your soil chemistry is right at the state's ideal sweet spot.
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 Becker County have?
Becker County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 32% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Becker County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Becker County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Becker County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Becker County.
What crops or plants grow well in Becker County's soil?
Based on Becker County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Becker County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Becker County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Becker County
Soil Verdict
Becker County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Becker County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Becker 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.