Fillmore County Soil Data
Fillmore County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fillmore County, Minnesota
Balanced Chemistry in the Driftless Area
Fillmore County soils have an average pH of 6.48, making them nearly perfectly neutral according to the national 6.5 median. This is higher and more balanced than the state average of 6.21. The chemical profile supports a wide variety of native and agricultural plants.
Silt-Rich Soils for Easy Working
The soil composition is 46.7% silt, 34.1% sand, and 18.9% clay. This silty texture is common in the region's loess deposits, providing a soil that is easy to till and work by hand. It holds onto water well while still allowing for adequate air space near the roots.
Dependable Soil for Diverse Use
Fillmore matches the state average soil score of 73.0, representing solid agricultural value. Organic matter is 3.40%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in ensures a steady supply of moisture for local crops.
Natural Drainage for Rolling Terrain
The sand and silt balance suggests the soil drains effectively, a vital trait for the county's sloping topography. Although specific drainage class data is missing, the physical makeup helps prevent erosion during heavy rains. These soils are well-suited for the diverse landscapes of southeastern Minnesota.
Hardy Options for Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners can enjoy success with root vegetables and apple orchards. The silt-heavy soil is particularly friendly to home gardeners who want easy-to-dig beds. It is a fantastic environment to establish a long-term orchard or a seasonal vegetable patch.
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 Fillmore County have?
Fillmore County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 47% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fillmore County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fillmore County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Fillmore County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fillmore County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fillmore County's soil?
Based on Fillmore County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Fillmore County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fillmore County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fillmore County
Soil Verdict
Fillmore 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
Fillmore County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fillmore 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.