Redwood County Soil Data
Redwood County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Redwood County, Minnesota
Redwood's Alkaline and Sturdy Ground
Redwood County soil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.10, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This leads to a soil score of 67.5, reflecting a profile that is functional but requires specific management compared to the state average. The soil is more basic than many of its northern neighbors.
Strong Structure with High Clay Content
With 23.7% clay and 41.2% sand, this soil has a substantial feel and excellent nutrient-holding capacity. The 35.2% silt rounds out a texture that provides strong support for heavy-rooting plants. This composition can become heavy when wet, requiring careful timing for tillage.
Solid Water Storage with Lower Organic Matter
Organic matter in Redwood stands at 4.93%, which is below the state average of 9.90% but well above the national average. Available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.199. These metrics suggest a reliable and steady growing environment.
Water Retention and Soil Stability
The 23.7% clay content means this soil is slower to drain than sandier counties but excellent at holding onto water. This is a benefit during the dry summer months common in southwestern Minnesota. Builders should plan for the soil's higher clay content when managing site drainage.
Extended Growing Potential in Zone 5a
Redwood County is in Zone 5a, offering one of the longer growing seasons in the state. This warmer climate paired with heavy clay-based soil is great for corn, soy, and deep-rooted perennials. Gardeners can succeed with a wide variety of vegetables if they manage the soil's alkaline nature.
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 Redwood County have?
Redwood County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 35% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Redwood County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Redwood County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Redwood County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Redwood County.
What crops or plants grow well in Redwood County's soil?
Based on Redwood County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Redwood County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Redwood County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Redwood County
Soil Verdict
Redwood 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
Redwood 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 Redwood 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.