Carver County Soil Data
Carver County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carver County, Minnesota
Carver’s neutral, balanced profile
Carver County boasts a near-perfect neutral pH of 6.51, aligning almost exactly with the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity supports a wide variety of agricultural uses and plant types.
Gritty texture with firm structure
The soil consists of 45.4% sand and 18.9% clay, creating a relatively gritty but firm texture. With 32.5% silt, the soil holds enough structure to retain nutrients without excessive compaction.
Reliable organic richness
Organic matter stands at 6.38%, which is below the state average of 9.90% but remains three times higher than the national average. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in stays just below the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199 in/in.
Monitoring soil saturation
Although local drainage class data is limited, the high sand percentage generally aids in moisture movement. Landowners should monitor local saturation levels because the clay content can still slow drainage in heavy rain.
Productive crops in Zone 4b
Located in Zone 4b, Carver County is ideal for growing hearty vegetables like sweet corn and squash. Residents can leverage the neutral pH to plant diverse gardens without heavy chemical amendments.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Carver County have?
Carver County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 32% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carver County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carver County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Carver County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carver County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carver County's soil?
Based on Carver County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Carver County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carver County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carver County
Soil Verdict
Carver County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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
Carver County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carver 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.