Meeker County Soil Data
Meeker County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Meeker County, Minnesota
Classic Minnesota Soil Profiles
Meeker County's soil pH of 6.38 is an excellent middle ground between the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. This slightly acidic profile is the 'sweet spot' for most agricultural and garden plants. It reflects a very healthy, natural chemical balance.
Sandy Loam for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 38.1% sand, 36.9% silt, and 22.2% clay. This texture is slightly lighter than some neighbors, making the ground easy to work and quick to warm in the spring. It provides enough clay to keep nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.
High Organic Productivity
The county boasts an organic matter content of 10.85%, surpassing the state average of 9.90%. This richness fuels an available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, which is better than the state benchmark. This combination earns Meeker a high soil score of 88.7.
Stable and Productive Land
The high soil score indicates that these lands are some of the most productive in the region. The texture and organic content suggest efficient natural drainage and high water retention. This provides a stable foundation for the county's diverse agricultural economy.
A Gardener's Haven in Zone 4b
Meeker County's Zone 4b climate and rich soil are ideal for everything from apples to zucchini. The high organic matter means less need for supplemental fertilizers in home gardens. It is a fantastic place to cultivate a self-sustaining food plot.
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 Meeker County have?
Meeker County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 37% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Meeker County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Meeker County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Meeker County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Meeker County.
What crops or plants grow well in Meeker County's soil?
Based on Meeker County's Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Meeker County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Meeker County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Meeker County
Soil Verdict
Meeker 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
Meeker County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Meeker 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.