Norman County Soil Data
Norman County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Norman County, Minnesota
Neutral Soil Profile in Norman
Norman County features soil with an average pH of 6.96, placing it slightly above the state average of 6.21. This neutral to slightly alkaline profile is well-suited for many regional crops and native plants.
Loamy Mix Resists Erosion
The physical makeup is 41.2% sand and 35.7% silt, providing a loamy texture that balances drainage and moisture. With 20.3% clay, the soil offers decent resistance to erosion and nutrient loss.
Rich Organic Matter Boosts Fertility
High fertility is a highlight here, with organic matter reaching 8.70%, nearing the state average of 9.90%. This richness supports an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, keeping the soil hydrated for longer periods.
Moderately Permeable Ground
While specific drainage groups are not listed, the significant sand and silt fractions suggest a moderately permeable soil. This balance helps maintain aeration in the root zone while preventing immediate runoff after rain.
Cool-Season Crops in Zone 4a
Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, Norman is ideal for growing cold-tolerant crops like kale and root vegetables. The soil’s high organic content makes it a prime candidate for a flourishing home 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 Norman County have?
Norman County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 36% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Norman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Norman County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Norman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Norman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Norman County's soil?
Based on Norman County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Norman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Norman County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Norman County
Soil Verdict
Norman 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
Norman County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Norman 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.