Sibley County Soil Data
Sibley County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
8.9%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Sibley County, Minnesota
Sibley’s Rich Clay Loam Soils
Sibley County features Entisols with a dominant texture of clay loam and a pH of 6.89. This slightly alkaline profile is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. It provides a stable and productive foundation for diverse plant life.
A Balanced Loamy Distribution
The soil contains 35.5% silt, 35.2% sand, and 23.3% clay. This even distribution provides the ideal 'loam' texture that farmers and gardeners highly prize. It retains enough water for plants while allowing for enough drainage to prevent root rot.
Exceptional Moisture Storage
Organic matter is high at 8.91%, which is more than four times the national average. Sibley's water capacity of 0.204 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.199. These numbers indicate a very fertile landscape with high potential for consistent crop yields.
Optimal Well-Drained Conditions
The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. This is considered an ideal category for agriculture, as it manages rainfall efficiently without staying overly wet. A soil score of 81.1 confirms that Sibley’s land is of superior quality.
Abundant Growth in Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, Sibley County is a prime location for corn, soybeans, and lush vegetable gardens. The clay loam soil is particularly good for heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes and squash. Start your garden today in some of the state's best-rated soil.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sibley County have?
Sibley County's soil is classified as Clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 36% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sibley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sibley 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 Sibley County?
Sibley County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Sibley County's soil?
Based on Sibley County's Clay loam texture, pH of 6.9, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Sibley County?
Sibley 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: Sibley County
Soil Verdict
Sibley 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
Sibley County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sibley 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.