Otter Tail County Soil Data
Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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.