Lake of the Woods County Soil Data
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
22.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota
Acidic and rich northern peatlands
Lake of the Woods County has an average pH of 5.10, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a hallmark of the region's vast wetlands and forest soils. The acidic nature of the soil determines the unique plant communities that dominate this border region.
Sandy soil with minimal clay
The soil contains 41.4% sand and 32.1% silt, creating a relatively light and porous texture. Clay makes up only 11.7% of the profile, which prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted. This sandy-silt mix allows for rapid drainage in areas not affected by the high water table.
Massive organic matter and top-tier water capacity
This county features a staggering 22.88% organic matter, more than double the state average of 9.90%. This richness drives an available water capacity of 0.239 in/in, the highest in this group and well above the state benchmark of 0.199. The soil acts as a powerful sponge, retaining incredible amounts of moisture.
High water capacity meets northern hydrology
While official drainage classes are not provided, the extremely high organic matter suggests areas that may stay saturated for long periods. This sponge-like quality is typical of the peat-rich soils found near the Canadian border. Managing site drainage is the primary challenge for any agricultural or construction effort here.
Cold-hardy gardening in zone 3b
With a 3b hardiness zone, growers must choose the hardiest varieties of potatoes, kale, and berries. The high organic content is a massive asset for nutrient delivery, provided the soil is well-managed for its acidity. Embrace the richness of this northern ground by focusing on native, moisture-loving plants.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lake of the Woods County have?
Lake of the Woods County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 32% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lake of the Woods County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lake of the Woods County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lake of the Woods County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lake of the Woods County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lake of the Woods County's soil?
Based on Lake of the Woods County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Lake of the Woods County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lake of the Woods County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lake of the Woods County
Soil Verdict
Lake of the Woods County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°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
Lake of the Woods County is somewhat cooler than the Minnesota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lake of the Woods 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.