Mille Lacs County Soil Data
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
15.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
Acidic Entisols of the North
Mille Lacs County is dominated by Entisols with a very acidic pH of 4.75. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. This acidic profile is characteristic of younger, less developed soils in forested regions.
Light and Silty Composition
The soil consists of 44.1% sand and 39.8% silt, with a very low 9.3% clay content. This makes the soil exceptionally light and easy to dig, but it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity of clay. Management here requires focusing on building and maintaining the soil's organic structure.
Surprising Organic Wealth
Despite its acidity, the soil contains 15.68% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 9.90%. This drives a high available water capacity of 0.220 in/in, the best in this group. This moisture retention helps compensate for the lack of clay.
Naturally Well-Drained Land
The soil is classified as well-drained, which is expected given the high sand and silt content. This prevents waterlogging and makes it suitable for various building and farming projects. However, the 64.6 soil score reflects the challenges posed by the extreme acidity.
Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in 4a
In Hardiness Zone 4a, this soil is a paradise for acid-loving plants like blueberries, hydrangeas, and conifers. Conventional gardeners will need to use lime to raise the pH for standard vegetables. It is a unique landscape that rewards those who plant for the local 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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mille Lacs County have?
Mille Lacs County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 40% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mille Lacs County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mille Lacs County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Mille Lacs County?
Mille Lacs County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Mille Lacs County's soil?
Based on Mille Lacs County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Mille Lacs County?
Mille Lacs County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mille Lacs County
Soil Verdict
Mille Lacs County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Mille Lacs County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mille Lacs 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.