Clearwater County Soil Data
Clearwater County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clearwater County, Minnesota
Acidic headwaters soil
Clearwater County soil has a pH of 5.71, indicating an acidic environment compared to the national median. This reflects the transition between the western prairies and the northern evergreen forests.
Sand and silt dominance
The soil is 52.6% sand and 32.9% silt, with a low clay content of 9.9%. This composition makes the soil relatively easy to work, though it may be prone to erosion if left uncovered.
Exceptional organic stores
The county features a very high organic matter content of 16.08%, well above the state average of 9.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, the soil is excellent at supporting plant life through dry spells.
Moderate moisture retention
Local drainage data is not currently specified in the records. However, the high organic matter and sand mix suggest a soil that absorbs water quickly while retaining enough for plant use.
Hardy growth in Zone 3b
As one of the coldest regions in Zone 3b, Clearwater requires short-season crops. Potatoes and cold-hardy greens thrive here, benefiting from the high 16.08% organic matter.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Clearwater County have?
Clearwater County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 33% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clearwater County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clearwater County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Clearwater County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clearwater County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clearwater County's soil?
Based on Clearwater County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Clearwater County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clearwater County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clearwater County
Soil Verdict
Clearwater County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°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
Clearwater County is somewhat cooler than the Minnesota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clearwater 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.