Carlton County Soil Data
Carlton County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
25.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carlton County, Minnesota
Acidic forest soils in Carlton
Carlton’s soil is highly acidic with a pH of 4.10, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH suggests a mineral profile common in northern forest environments where pine and spruce dominate.
A silty and sandy mix
The soil contains 41.1% silt and 35.6% sand, with clay making up only 11.2% of the profile. This composition provides a balanced texture that allows for decent workability while maintaining some structural stability.
Exceptional organic matter levels
At 25.67%, the organic matter content is more than double the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.276 in/in also exceeds the Minnesota benchmark, indicating superior water storage for plants.
Natural drainage trends
Standardized drainage and hydrologic records are currently unavailable for this region. However, the high sand and silt content typically suggests moderate permeability and active moisture movement.
Hardy gardening in Zone 4a
This Zone 4a region favors acid-loving plants like blueberries and evergreens. Gardeners should select varieties that thrive in cool, moist, and acidic northern soils for the best results.
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 4.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Carlton County have?
Carlton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 41% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carlton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carlton County's soil has a low pH of 4.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Carlton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carlton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carlton County's soil?
Based on Carlton County's Loam texture, pH of 4.1, 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 Carlton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carlton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carlton County
Soil Verdict
Carlton County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Carlton County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carlton 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.