Lincoln County Soil Data
Lincoln County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lincoln County, Minnesota
Alkaline Edge in Lincoln County
Lincoln County soils carry a pH of 7.16, making them notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota average of 6.21. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, this alkaline profile defines the local chemistry. Growers here must manage nutrient availability differently than their neighbors in more acidic regions.
Balanced Texture for Steady Workability
The soil features a mix of 32.4% sand, 42.6% silt, and 25.1% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that resists compaction better than pure clay. It offers a reliable medium for roots, though the silt content requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.
Modest Organic Matter for the Prairie
With 4.20% organic matter, Lincoln County exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls well below the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark of 0.199. This indicates a soil that holds moisture adequately for standard crop cycles.
Standard Hydrologic Capacity
While specific drainage classes aren't recorded in current datasets, the balanced sand and silt percentages suggest moderate natural drainage. The soil score of 64.8 reflects a capable but not elite agricultural foundation. Local farmers typically rely on this stability for consistent, if not record-breaking, yields.
Hardy Options for Zone 4b
Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, Lincoln County supports cold-hardy staples like corn, soybeans, and resilient root vegetables. The slightly alkaline pH is particularly favorable for alfalfa and asparagus. Home gardeners should focus on varieties that thrive in neutral to sweet soil conditions.
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 Lincoln County have?
Lincoln County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 43% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lincoln County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lincoln County's soil?
Based on Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lincoln County
Soil Verdict
Lincoln 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
Lincoln County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lincoln 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.