McLeod County Soil Data
McLeod County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McLeod County, Minnesota
The Ideal Chemical Baseline
McLeod County features a pH of 6.67, placing it slightly above the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral level is perfect for nutrient availability and biological health. It is significantly less acidic than the state average of 6.21, providing a welcoming environment for most crops.
Durable and Productive Texture
The soil is a balanced blend of 35.3% sand, 36.0% silt, and 23.6% clay. This composition ensures the soil can hold onto fertilizers while remaining porous enough for root penetration. It strikes a great balance between drainage and nutrient retention.
Strong Organic Foundation
Organic matter stands at 9.15%, coming very close to the high Minnesota average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.199. These metrics contribute to an impressive overall soil score of 86.0.
Resilient Water Storage
With a high water capacity and balanced texture, McLeod soils manage moisture efficiently even without specific drainage classification data. This stability protects against both runoff and excessive leaching. It creates a very forgiving environment for diverse land uses.
Bountiful Options in Zone 4b
Zone 4b allows for a wide variety of cool-season and mid-season crops to flourish. The nutrient-dense soil is particularly well-suited for heavy feeders like corn and tomatoes. Gardeners can expect vigorous growth and high yields from this fertile landscape.
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 McLeod County have?
McLeod County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 36% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McLeod County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McLeod County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for McLeod County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McLeod County.
What crops or plants grow well in McLeod County's soil?
Based on McLeod County's Loam texture, pH of 6.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in McLeod County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McLeod County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McLeod County
Soil Verdict
McLeod 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
McLeod County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McLeod 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.