Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant 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
Grant 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 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.