Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Minnesota
Classic Minnesota Soil Chemistry
Douglas County soil has an average pH of 6.26, nearly identical to the state average. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but remains very hospitable to standard crops. The soil provides a stable chemical environment for the region's diverse agricultural needs.
A Gritty and Productive Mix
The texture is composed of 43.6% sand, 34.0% silt, and 17.1% clay. This relatively high sand content aids in drainage and prevents soil compaction in high-traffic areas. The clay and silt components provide enough structure to keep nutrients available for root uptake.
Rich Organic Matter and High Scores
Douglas County boasts a high Soil Score of 82.2, reflecting its excellent growing potential. The organic matter content is an impressive 11.22%, which is higher than the state average of 9.90%. This richness provides a massive natural reservoir of nutrients for local flora.
Efficient Water Management Potential
With 43.6% sand, these soils likely offer efficient drainage, though official classifications are not listed here. This sand-to-silt ratio is excellent for preventing the root rot common in heavier clay soils. It makes the land well-suited for varied uses, from lakeside developments to active farmsteads.
Thriving in the 4b Hardiness Zone
Hardiness Zone 4b is perfect for pumpkins, squash, and hardy berries. The high organic matter means you will need less fertilizer to get your home garden started. The soil here is a proven winner for anyone looking to grow their own food.
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 Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 34% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Douglas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Douglas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Douglas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Douglas County
Soil Verdict
Douglas 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
Douglas 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 Douglas 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.