Kittson County Soil Data
Kittson County, Minnesota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kittson County, Minnesota
Alkaline sands in the far north
Kittson County features a pH of 7.17, making its soils more alkaline than both the Minnesota average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5. While the specific taxonomic order data is limited, the high pH suggests a unique mineral composition. This alkalinity influences which nutrients are most available to plants in this northern landscape.
A sand-heavy mix for easy tilling
The soil composition is dominated by 45.7% sand, providing excellent aeration for root systems. Silt makes up 26.5% and clay accounts for 19.3%, creating a texture that is less likely to become waterlogged than heavier soils. This sandy characteristic allows the ground to warm up faster in the short northern spring.
Strong organic content despite lower water capacity
Kittson contains 11.14% organic matter, which is well above the national average of 2.0% and exceeds the state average of 9.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.199. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it may require more frequent irrigation during dry spells.
Managing water in a northern climate
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for Kittson, but the high sand content typically suggests fast drainage. In this cold climate, managing surface moisture is key to preventing frost heave and ensuring stable foundations. Local land use depends heavily on the interaction between these sandy soils and the seasonal water table.
Short season success in zone 3b
Hardiness zone 3b requires plants that can handle extreme cold and a limited growing window. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots thrive in these sandy, alkaline soils where they can expand easily. Focus on short-season varieties and cold-hardy greens to make the most of your Kittson County 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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kittson County have?
Kittson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 27% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kittson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kittson County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Kittson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kittson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kittson County's soil?
Based on Kittson County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Kittson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kittson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kittson 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.