Scott County Soil Data
Scott County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Fine sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Scott County, Minnesota
Sandy Entisols of Scott County
Scott County is characterized by Entisols with a dominant texture of fine sand. The pH of 6.34 is very close to the national median of 6.5 and sits above the state average of 6.21. These soils are relatively young and varied across the landscape.
High Sand for Rapid Drainage
The soil contains 48.7% sand, 33.1% silt, and 16.8% clay. This high sand content ensures that the ground dries out quickly after a storm. While this prevents puddling, it also means nutrients can leach away more easily than in clay-heavy soils.
Moderate Organic Matter and Capacity
Organic matter is steady at 6.06%, which is triple the national average but lower than the state's 9.90%. The available water capacity is 0.186 in/in, falling slightly below the state average of 0.199. Gardeners should plan for supplemental watering during the peak of summer.
Excessively Drained Landscapes
The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A. This means water moves through the profile very rapidly, which is great for building but challenging for thirsty crops. Management should focus on maintaining moisture and adding organic amendments.
Garden Readiness in Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, Scott County is perfect for drought-tolerant native plants and deep-rooted perennials. With a soil score of 75.7, the land is more productive than the average Minnesota plot. Try growing tomatoes or peppers that appreciate the warmth of sandy soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Scott County have?
Scott County's soil is classified as Fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 33% silt, and 17% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Scott County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scott County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Scott County?
Scott County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Scott County's soil?
Based on Scott County's Fine sand texture, pH of 6.3, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Scott County?
Scott County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Scott County
Soil Verdict
Scott 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
Scott County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. 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 Scott 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.