Chisago County Soil Data
Chisago County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chisago County, Minnesota
Chisago’s sandy, acidic profile
Chisago County has a pH of 5.53, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.21. This soil reflects the sandy glacial outwash plains found along the St. Croix River valley.
Sand-heavy soil structure
The soil is 61.0% sand, which creates a loose and easy-to-till texture. With only 9.5% clay and 27.6% silt, drainage is quick, but the soil has limited capacity to hold onto nutrients.
Modest organic matter levels
Organic matter sits at 7.64%, trailing the Minnesota average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.
Fast-draining glacial plains
While official drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content ensures that water moves through the profile rapidly. This makes the land well-suited for development but challenging for water-intensive agriculture.
Garden tips for Zone 4b
Chisago’s Zone 4b climate is ideal for peppers and tomatoes if the sandy soil is enriched. Adding compost will help improve the 0.172 water capacity and support healthy root growth.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chisago County have?
Chisago County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 28% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chisago County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chisago County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Chisago County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chisago County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chisago County's soil?
Based on Chisago County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Chisago County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chisago County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chisago County
Soil Verdict
Chisago 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
Chisago 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 Chisago 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.