Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clay County, Minnesota
Neutral valley soils in Clay
Clay County soil features a pH of 6.89, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average but very close to the national median. This neutral profile is ideal for the intensive agriculture of the Red River Valley.
Balanced and clay-rich
Despite its name, the soil is a diverse mix of 41.7% sand and 20.9% clay. The 34.6% silt content helps bridge the gap, creating a soil that is both durable and nutrient-dense.
High productivity potential
Organic matter is solid at 8.41%, which is four times the national average. While the water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly below the state average, the clay content helps maintain moisture during the growing season.
Managing Red River drainage
Detailed drainage class data is unavailable, but the 20.9% clay content is typical for the region's flat, slow-draining landscape. Proper field management is key to navigating the heavy moisture cycles of the valley.
Thriving in Zone 4a
Zone 4a in Clay County is world-renowned for sugar beets and wheat. Home gardeners can grow impressive root vegetables like carrots and beets in this nutrient-rich, neutral soil.
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 Clay County have?
Clay County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 35% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clay County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Clay County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?
Based on Clay County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Clay County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clay County
Soil Verdict
Clay 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
Clay County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clay 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.