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Renville County Soil Data

Renville County, Minnesota

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

6.9

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

7.6%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Renville County, Minnesota

Slightly Alkaline Soils in Renville

Renville County features a soil pH of 6.88, which is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5. This profile is also more alkaline than the Minnesota state average of 6.21. While taxonomic data is limited here, the pH level supports a diverse range of agricultural crops.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation

The soil composition consists of 41.4% silt, 30.9% sand, and 25.3% clay. This mix creates a medium-textured soil that offers a stable base for farming machinery. The balance of particles helps maintain soil structure while providing adequate space for root development.

Robust Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter reaches a healthy 7.62%, nearly quadrupling the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, the soil holds more moisture than the state average of 0.199. These factors combine to create high growing potential for local producers.

Strong Soil Performance Score

Renville earns a soil score of 80.0, significantly outperforming the state average of 73.0. Although specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high silt content suggests a need to monitor for surface crusting. Growers benefit from the soil's natural ability to retain essential nutrients.

Thriving in Zone 4b

Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, this county is ideal for corn, soybeans, and hardy root vegetables. The fertile soil provides a perfect starting point for any backyard garden. Dig in today to take advantage of these high-performing Minnesota soils.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 30.9%
Silt: 41.4%
Clay: 25.3%
Loam

Soil pH

6.9pH
6.88268407672624
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Soil Amendment Products

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Renville County have?

Renville County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 41% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Renville County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Renville County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Renville County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Renville County.

What crops or plants grow well in Renville County's soil?

Based on Renville County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Renville County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Renville County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Renville County

Soil Verdict

Renville County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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

Renville County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.

Other Counties in Minnesota

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.