Itasca County Soil Data
Itasca County, Minnesota
Avg pH
4.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
24.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Itasca County, Minnesota
Extreme Acidity in the North Woods
Itasca County's soil is highly acidic with a pH of 4.28, far below the national 6.5 median and the state average of 6.21. This indicates a specialized environment, likely boggy or forested, where only certain plants can naturally survive.
A Gritty Silt and Sand Blend
The soil contains 45.6% sand and 33.2% silt, creating a texture that is light but holds together better than pure sand. A low clay content of 9.4% prevents the soil from becoming heavy or mucky during wet seasons.
World-Class Organic Matter Content
Itasca County features a massive 24.75% organic matter content, more than double the state average. This fuels an exceptional available water capacity of 0.261 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.199.
High Water Retention in Moist Soils
The extreme 0.261 water capacity means this soil stays moist much longer than average Minnesota land. While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high organic content suggests the soil acts like a sponge for rainfall.
Blueberry Heaven in Zone 3b
This acidic, high-organic soil in Zone 3b is the perfect habitat for blueberries and cranberries. Embrace the unique chemistry of Itasca County and start a specialized garden for northern fruits.
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 Itasca County have?
Itasca County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 33% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Itasca County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Itasca County's soil has a low pH of 4.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Itasca County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Itasca County.
What crops or plants grow well in Itasca County's soil?
Based on Itasca County's Loam texture, pH of 4.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Itasca County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Itasca County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Itasca 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.