Mower County Soil Data

Mower County, Minnesota

Avg pH

6.4

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

4.8%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Mower County, Minnesota

Chemically Balanced Grounds in Mower

Mower County features balanced soil with an average pH of 6.38, mirroring the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level provides an ideal chemical environment for most regional plant species.

Silty Mix with Strong Retention

A mix of 46.8% silt and 31.6% sand creates a medium-textured soil that offers a strong balance of drainage and structure. The 21.6% clay content provides enough density to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Reliable Moisture for Growing

Organic matter levels sit at 4.76%, which is lower than the state average but more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures reliable moisture for crops, matching state benchmarks.

Steady Growth without Drought Risk

While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate water retention. These traits typically support steady plant growth and protect roots during dry spells.

Prime Zone 4b Garden Potential

Hardiness Zone 4b allows for a wide variety of vegetables and hardy fruit trees like apples. The county's soil score of 79.0 reflects its high potential, making it a great place to plant a diverse garden.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 31.6%
Silt: 46.8%
Clay: 21.6%
Loam

Soil pH

6.4pH
6.37842064589798
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Mower County have?

Mower County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 47% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Mower County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Mower 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 Mower County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Mower County.

What crops or plants grow well in Mower County's soil?

Based on Mower 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 Mower County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Mower County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.