Steele County Soil Data
Steele County, Minnesota
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
5.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Steele County, Minnesota
Balanced Entisols Near National Norms
Steele County is characterized by a loam texture and Entisol taxonomic order. Its average pH of 6.42 sits almost perfectly at the national median of 6.5, offering a more neutral environment than most Minnesota soils.
The Ideal Loam Balance
With a mix of 37.6% sand, 38.4% silt, and 22.2% clay, this soil provides an excellent balance of drainage and nutrient retention. This composition makes the soil highly workable for farmers and home gardeners alike.
Efficient Water Storage Potential
The county’s available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is nearly identical to the state average. Although its 5.75% organic matter is lower than the Minnesota average, it remains significantly higher than the national 2.0% baseline.
Steady Moisture and Heavy Runoff
These soils are moderately well drained but fall into hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. Gardeners should plan for effective water management to prevent erosion during heavy Southern Minnesota rains.
Top-Tier Growing Conditions
An impressive soil score of 82.7 makes Steele County one of the most productive regions in the state. In Zone 4b, you can confidently grow everything from sweet corn to robust perennials in this high-quality loam.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Steele County have?
Steele County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 38% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Steele County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Steele County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Steele County?
Steele County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Steele County's soil?
Based on Steele County's Loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Moderately 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 Steele County?
Steele 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.
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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.