Benton County Soil Data
Benton County, Minnesota
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
8.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Benton County, Minnesota
The Sour Sands of Benton
Benton’s Entisols have an acidic pH of 5.42, which is more sour than the national median of 6.5. This chemical identity also places it below the Minnesota state average of 6.21.
High Sand, Low Clay
With 65.4% sand and only 7.6% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and porous. While it drains quickly, it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers compared to siltier neighboring counties.
Moderate Fertility Profile
Organic matter sits at 8.51%, which is healthy by national standards but falls below the Minnesota average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark.
Well-Drained Ground
The soil is classified as well-drained, making it an excellent choice for building foundations and preventing soggy fields. This high-drainage profile is a direct result of the dominant sand content.
Garden Strategies for Zone 4a
Zone 4a gardeners should choose drought-tolerant perennials or implement mulching to conserve moisture. Your sandy soil is perfect for early-season planting as it warms up faster than clay-heavy land.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Benton County have?
Benton County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 65% sand, 22% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Benton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Benton County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Benton County?
Benton County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Benton County's soil?
Based on Benton County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Benton County?
Benton 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Benton 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.