Cook County Soil Data
Cook County, Minnesota
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
15.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cook County, Minnesota
Cook County’s acidic North Shore
Cook County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.67, significantly lower than the state average of 6.21. This acidity is driven by the region's coniferous forests and basaltic bedrock.
High silt and moderate sand
The soil is composed of 48.6% silt and 39.8% sand, with clay at 11.3%. This silty-sand texture is typical of the rugged Arrowhead region, offering a fine-grained feel but shallow depth.
Rich organic forest floors
Organic matter is very high at 15.06%, far surpassing the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.214 in/in is also superior, providing a deep reservoir for forest vegetation.
Water movement in the Arrowhead
Standardized drainage and hydrologic group data are not recorded for this area. The high silt content and 0.214 water capacity suggest the soil holds moisture well even on the county's steep slopes.
Cold-hardy plants for Zone 3b
In the chilly Zone 3b climate, gardeners should focus on berries and cold-tolerant kale. The high organic content helps plants maximize the short growing season typical of the North Shore.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cook County have?
Cook County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 49% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cook County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cook County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cook County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cook County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cook County's soil?
Based on Cook County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Cook County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cook County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cook 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.