Chippewa County Soil Data
Chippewa County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chippewa County, Minnesota
Alkaline prairies of Chippewa
Chippewa County features a pH of 7.18, making it more alkaline than both the state average of 6.21 and the national median. These soils reflect the limestone-influenced glacial till of the Minnesota River Valley.
High silt and clay density
The soil contains 44.6% silt and 23.5% clay, giving it a heavy, nutrient-rich texture. With only 31.5% sand, this soil holds together well but can be difficult to work when wet.
Dense but water-efficient
Organic matter is lower at 5.28% compared to the state average, yet it remains well above the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.193 in/in ensures that moisture stays accessible to crops during dry spells.
Heavy soils and moisture
Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the 23.5% clay content indicates a tendency to hold water. Farmers in the area often manage these soils to prevent surface ponding and compaction.
Prairie-hardy growth in Zone 4b
Zone 4b allows for a long growing season for soybeans, corn, and prairie grasses. Gardeners should choose plants that tolerate slightly alkaline conditions, such as asparagus or clematis.
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 Chippewa County have?
Chippewa County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 45% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chippewa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chippewa 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 Chippewa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chippewa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chippewa County's soil?
Based on Chippewa 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 Chippewa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chippewa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chippewa County
Soil Verdict
Chippewa 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
Chippewa County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chippewa 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.