Beltrami County Soil Data

Beltrami County, Minnesota

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

22.5%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Beltrami County, Minnesota

Acidic Northern Soils

Beltrami’s soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.18, trailing both the state average and the 6.5 national median. The county maintains a unique chemical profile despite limited taxonomic classification data.

Light and Porous Mix

A blend of 49.5% sand and 34.7% silt dominates the landscape, held together by only 8.3% clay. This composition creates a light soil that is easy to till but may require supplemental feeding for heavy crops.

Vast Organic Reservoirs

The county boasts a massive 22.54% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 9.90%. This richness drives a high available water capacity of 0.232 in/in, providing superior natural drought resistance.

Moisture-Retaining Landscapes

Local data regarding specific drainage classes is limited for this northern region. However, the combination of high organic matter and sand suggests a landscape that retains moisture while allowing for decent drainage.

Short-Season Success in 3b

In the chilly Zone 3b, focus on short-season crops like kale, peas, and root vegetables. Take advantage of the incredible organic matter to grow nutrient-dense produce in your backyard garden.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 49.5%
Silt: 34.7%
Clay: 8.3%
Loam

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.17512071079477
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Beltrami County have?

Beltrami County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 35% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Beltrami County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Beltrami County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Beltrami County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Beltrami County.

What crops or plants grow well in Beltrami County's soil?

Based on Beltrami County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Beltrami County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Beltrami County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.