Mower County Soil Data
Mower County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mower County
Soil Verdict
Mower 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
Mower County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mower 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.