Otter Tail County Soil Data
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Otter Tail's Ideal pH Balance
Otter Tail County’s soil pH of 6.55 is almost exactly the national median, providing an ideal chemical environment for most plants. This balance is a key reason the county maintains a high soil score of 77.9.
Light and Easy Sandy Loam
The soil is 50.3% sand and 31.3% silt, resulting in a lighter, more permeable texture that is easy to till. A clay content of 15.3% provides just enough structure to prevent the soil from being too loose.
High Carbon Offsets Sandy Mix
Organic matter is quite high at 7.70%, which is triple the national average and helps offset the sandy texture. This results in an available water capacity of 0.180 in/in, keeping the land productive.
Well-Aerated Ground for Gardens
While drainage class data is missing, the high sand percentage implies that water likely moves through the soil quite quickly. This keeps the ground well-aerated, though it may require more frequent watering during dry spells.
Root Vegetable Paradise in Zone 4a
Located in Hardiness Zone 4a, this county is perfect for growing snap peas and potatoes in its sandy-loam soil. With a soil score well above the state average, your gardening efforts are sure to be rewarded.
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 Otter Tail County have?
Otter Tail County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 31% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Otter Tail County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Otter Tail County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Otter Tail County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Otter Tail County.
What crops or plants grow well in Otter Tail County's soil?
Based on Otter Tail County's Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 Otter Tail County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Otter Tail County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Otter Tail County
Soil Verdict
Otter Tail 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
Otter Tail County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Otter Tail 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.