Houston County Soil Data
Houston County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Houston County, Minnesota
Ideal pH for Diverse Growth
Houston County has a pH of 6.39, putting it very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity is a key factor in the county's strong soil score of 75.5, which beats the state average of 73.0.
Silty Soils of the Southeast
The soil texture is remarkably silty at 52.0%, paired with 30.8% sand for a fine, crumbly feel. With 17.2% clay, the soil has enough body to hold onto nutrients without being difficult to till.
Consistent Moisture for Healthy Roots
Organic matter sits at 3.53%, comfortably above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in nearly matches the state average, ensuring that plants have access to a steady supply of moisture.
Stable Hydrology in the Driftless Area
The high silt content indicates moderate drainage speeds that are generally favorable for farming and gardening. Because the water capacity is so close to the state average, the soil maintains a healthy balance of air and water for root systems.
Hardy Zone 5a for Perennials
Being in Zone 5a allows for a diverse range of perennial berries and orchard trees. The high soil score of 75.5 makes this an excellent place to plant fruit trees or start a high-yield vegetable garden.
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: Silt 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 Houston County have?
Houston County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 52% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Houston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Houston County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Houston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Houston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Houston County's soil?
Based on Houston County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Houston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Houston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Houston County
Soil Verdict
Houston County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Houston County is somewhat warmer than the Minnesota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Houston 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.