Morrison County Soil Data
Morrison County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
14.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Morrison County, Minnesota
Acidic Entisols in Morrison County
Morrison’s soil is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young and undeveloped soils. With an average pH of 4.92, these grounds are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21.
High Sand for Easy Workability
The soil profile consists of 54.7% sand, 24.9% silt, and only 8.6% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work but requires careful management to prevent rapid nutrient leaching.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 14.88%, well above the state average of 9.90%. This boost in carbon helps maintain an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, keeping the soil productive despite its sandy texture.
Excessive Drainage Requires Water Management
The land is classified as excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very quickly. While this prevents pooling after heavy rains, it also makes the soil prone to drying out during peak Minnesota summers.
Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 4a
In Hardiness Zone 4a, cold-tolerant crops like raspberries and potatoes thrive in this high-organic, sandy environment. Residents should take advantage of this unique fertility and start a garden today.
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
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Morrison County have?
Morrison County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 25% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Morrison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morrison County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Morrison County?
Morrison County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Morrison County's soil?
Based on Morrison County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, and Excessively drained, 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 Morrison County?
Morrison 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: Morrison County
Soil Verdict
Morrison 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
Morrison 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 Morrison 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.