Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Minnesota
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grant County, Minnesota
Alkaline Earth in Western Minnesota
Grant County features a pH of 7.27, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the state average of 6.21. This higher pH influences nutrient availability and is characteristic of the region's mineral-rich landscape.
A Gritty Mix of Sand and Clay
The composition is a rugged blend of 40.8% sand and 22.1% clay, offering a more varied texture than its eastern neighbors. With silt at 36.1%, the soil has enough fine particles to prevent the sand from draining too rapidly.
Rich Organic Reserves in the Soil
Grant County contains 5.17% organic matter, more than double the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content helps sustain plant health.
Porous Soils Require Attentive Irrigation
The 40.8% sand content suggests that water moves fairly quickly through this landscape. Because the water capacity is lower than the Minnesota average, gardeners should focus on mulch to keep moisture where plants need it most.
Cold-Hardy Grains for Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, Grant County is well-suited for hearty crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes. If you are starting a garden, focus on plants that can handle the slightly alkaline soil conditions of the western plains.
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 Grant County have?
Grant County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 36% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grant County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Grant County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grant County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?
Based on Grant County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Grant County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grant County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.