Cass County Soil Data
Cass County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cass County, Minnesota
Cass County’s acidic pine sands
Cass County features acidic soil with a pH of 4.95, notably lower than the state average of 6.21. This level of acidity is typical for the sandy, timber-heavy landscapes of north-central Minnesota.
High sand, low clay
A high sand content of 61.8% dominates the profile, while clay makes up only 7.4%. This mix ensures excellent drainage but requires careful management to prevent nutrient leaching.
Rich organic potential
The county boasts 12.95% organic matter, which exceeds the state average of 9.90%. Despite the sandy texture, an available water capacity of 0.194 in/in nearly matches the statewide benchmark of 0.199 in/in.
Managing fast water movement
While specific hydrologic group data is not recorded here, the 61.8% sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This is beneficial for building foundations but may require more frequent watering for crops.
Success in Zone 4a
Zone 4a gardens in Cass County are perfect for drought-tolerant perennials and acid-loving shrubs. Focus on amending sandy spots with compost to make the most of the high organic matter potential.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cass County have?
Cass County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 26% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cass County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cass County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cass County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cass County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cass County's soil?
Based on Cass County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Cass County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cass County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cass County
Soil Verdict
Cass 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
Cass County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cass 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.