Brown County Soil Data
Brown County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Brown County, Minnesota
Slightly Alkaline Ground
Brown County’s soil leans slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.88. This is higher than both the state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.
Versatile Loamy Balance
A balanced texture of 44.4% sand, 33.4% silt, and 20.3% clay defines the local ground. This provides a versatile medium that is easier to work than pure clay but more retentive than sand.
Reliable Moisture Levels
Organic matter stands at 6.25%, which is lower than the Minnesota average but still robust for agricultural use. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in remains just below the state average of 0.199.
Stable Soil Structure
Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this specific dataset. However, the moderate clay content suggests decent structural integrity and water management for various land uses.
Zone 5a Garden Staples
Zone 5a allows for a wide variety of garden favorites like sweet corn and sunflowers. Take advantage of the easy-to-work texture to build a flourishing backyard oasis this season.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Brown County have?
Brown County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 33% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brown County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Brown County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brown County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brown County's soil?
Based on Brown County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Brown County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brown County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brown County
Soil Verdict
Brown County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Brown County is somewhat warmer than the Minnesota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brown 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.