Sherburne County Soil Data
Sherburne County, Minnesota
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sherburne County, Minnesota
Strongly Acidic Sandy Soils
Sherburne County has a notably acidic soil pH of 5.47, which is well below the national median of 6.5. This level is significantly lower than the state average of 6.21. Many traditional crops may require lime applications to thrive in these conditions.
Coarse Sand Dominates the Mix
The soil is 64.4% sand, the highest in this group, with 22.1% silt and only 8.4% clay. This coarse texture means the soil does not hold together easily and drains very quickly. It is highly workable but struggles to retain both water and essential minerals.
Healthy Organic Levels, Low Water
Organic matter is strong at 9.11%, staying close to the state average and far above the national 2.0%. However, the water capacity is low at 0.163 in/in due to the sand. This combination creates a unique environment where organic matter provides nutrients, but moisture escapes fast.
Challenges in Soil Performance
A soil score of 55.2 is below the state average of 73.0, indicating management challenges for standard agriculture. Without specific drainage data, the high sand percentage confirms that water moves through the soil profile rapidly. Successful growers here often use irrigation to maintain plant health.
Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 4b
Sherburne’s acidic, sandy soil in Zone 4b is a paradise for blueberries and azaleas. Use raised beds or heavy mulching to make the most of your home garden. Embrace the unique soil by planting species that thrive in well-drained, sandy environments.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sherburne County have?
Sherburne County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 64% sand, 22% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sherburne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sherburne County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Sherburne County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sherburne County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sherburne County's soil?
Based on Sherburne County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Sherburne County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sherburne County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sherburne 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.