Pope County Soil Data
Pope County, Minnesota
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pope County, Minnesota
Pope County's Perfectly Balanced pH
Pope County soil hits the sweet spot with a pH of 6.50, exactly matching the national median for ideal plant growth. This contributes to an exceptional soil score of 88.7, placing it among the elite counties in Minnesota. The chemical balance here is nearly perfect for a wide range of vegetation.
A Substantial Silt and Clay Mix
The soil composition is 36.3% sand, 37.6% silt, and a robust 21.7% clay. This mixture provides significant structural integrity and helps the soil retain nutrients effectively. While more substantial than sandy soils, it remains workable for most gardening and farming tasks.
High Fertility and Standard Water Capacity
The organic matter content is a healthy 9.62%, nearly mirroring the state average of 9.90%. Its available water capacity is 0.200 in/in, which is essentially equal to the Minnesota benchmark. These figures represent a consistently fertile and reliable growing medium.
Stable Moisture for Growing Seasons
With over 21% clay, this soil holds onto water more tightly than sandier neighbors. While specific drainage data is N/A, the balance of sand and silt suggests moderate drainage that prevents rapid drying. This stability is beneficial for maintaining consistent moisture levels for crops during the summer.
Vibrant Gardening in Zone 4b
Located in Zone 4b, Pope County is well-suited for a variety of temperate crops and ornamental plants. The neutral pH and high soil score mean that almost any plant suited for the climate will thrive here. It is an ideal environment for both professional agriculture and hobby gardening.
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 Pope County have?
Pope County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 38% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pope County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pope County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Pope County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pope County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pope County's soil?
Based on Pope County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Pope County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pope County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.