Nicollet County Soil Data
Nicollet County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nicollet County, Minnesota
Neutral pH Supports Diverse Life
Nicollet County soil is highly productive, characterized by an average pH of 6.89 that sits just above the national median of 6.5. This nearly neutral level supports a wide range of nutrient availability for local flora.
The Perfect Textural Compromise
The soil is a balanced blend of 38.3% sand, 35.1% silt, and 22.1% clay. This texture offers a perfect compromise between easy workability and the ability to retain essential minerals for plant health.
Strong Carbon for Deep Roots
Organic matter reaches a healthy 7.53%, which is robust compared to the national average of 2.0%. This high carbon content supports an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, providing a steady reservoir for deep-rooted plants.
Effective Water Storage for Crops
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the relatively high clay and silt levels suggest the ground holds water effectively. This retention is a benefit during dry spells but may require attention in low-lying garden areas.
High-Quality Growing in Zone 5a
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 5a allows for a long growing season for tomatoes and squash. With a soil score of 75.1, the ground here is better than the state average, so start your 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
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 Nicollet County have?
Nicollet County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 35% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Nicollet County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nicollet County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Nicollet County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nicollet County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nicollet County's soil?
Based on Nicollet County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Nicollet County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nicollet County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nicollet County
Soil Verdict
Nicollet County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Nicollet County is somewhat warmer than the Minnesota statewide average. 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 Nicollet 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.