Big Stone County Soil Data

Big Stone County, Minnesota

Avg pH

7.2

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

5.8%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Big Stone County, Minnesota

Alkaline Western Soils

Big Stone County features an alkaline soil pH of 7.18, rising above the national median of 6.5. It is significantly less acidic than the Minnesota state average of 6.21.

Silty-Clay Soil Structure

The mix includes 30.4% sand and 43.1% silt, with a relatively high 25.3% clay content. This silty-clay blend offers excellent nutrient storage and structural stability for local crops.

Quality Water Retention

Organic matter levels of 5.77% are modest compared to the state average but triple the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in keeps it competitive with state benchmarks.

Consistent Moisture Support

Specific drainage classifications are not currently available for this county's soil profile. However, the high clay and silt percentages usually indicate a soil that holds water quite effectively for seasonal growth.

Prairie Favorites in Zone 4b

Hardy Zone 4b plants like corn and hearty squash thrive in this environment. Monitor your soil's alkalinity and consider sulfur amendments if you want to grow acid-loving plants like blueberries.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 30.4%
Silt: 43.1%
Clay: 25.3%
Loam

Soil pH

7.2pH
7.17988177313321
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 Big Stone County have?

Big Stone County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 43% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Big Stone County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Big Stone County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Big Stone County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Big Stone County.

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

Based on Big Stone County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Big Stone County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Big Stone 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.