Beltrami County Soil Data
Beltrami County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Beltrami County
Soil Verdict
Beltrami County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°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
Beltrami County is somewhat cooler than the Minnesota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Beltrami 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.