Lac qui Parle County Soil Data
Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota
Alkaline silt dominates the western border
Lac qui Parle County has an average soil pH of 7.21, which is notably more alkaline than the state average of 6.21. This level sits above the national median of 6.5, suggesting a high mineral content in the soil. These conditions can influence the availability of micronutrients like iron and phosphorus for local crops.
High silt content for smooth texture
The soil is comprised of 41.6% silt and 23.6% clay, providing a dense and nutrient-retaining structure. Sand makes up 34.4% of the profile, helping to maintain some degree of aeration. This high silt-to-clay ratio creates a soil that is fertile but can be prone to crusting if not managed carefully.
Reliable organic matter for prairie farming
The county contains 4.45% organic matter, which is more than double the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state average of 9.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is slightly below the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199. Despite this, the soil remains highly productive for traditional row crops.
Managing the western water table
While official drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that retains moisture longer than sandy counterparts. This can be an advantage during dry years on the prairie, though it requires careful timing for spring tilling. Understanding local hydrology is crucial for preventing salt buildup in these alkaline soils.
Strong potential in hardiness zone 4b
The 4b hardiness zone and silty soil are ideal for growing grains, sunflowers, and hardy legumes. Gardeners should watch for signs of iron chlorosis in plants sensitive to alkaline conditions. With the right mulch and water management, this prairie soil can produce a bountiful harvest of late-summer vegetables.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lac qui Parle County have?
Lac qui Parle County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 42% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lac qui Parle County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lac qui Parle County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lac qui Parle County's soil?
Based on Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lac qui Parle County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lac qui Parle County
Soil Verdict
Lac qui Parle 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
Lac qui Parle County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lac qui Parle 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.