Stevens County Soil Data
Stevens County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stevens County, Minnesota
Alkaline Soils on the Western Prairie
Stevens County features an average pH of 7.09, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a landscape influenced by carbonate-rich glacial till.
Silt and Clay Define the Texture
The soil is comprised of 41.5% silt and 25.5% clay, which provides a heavy texture that holds onto nutrients well. With only 31.0% sand, these fields may take longer to dry out in the spring but offer great stability for crops.
Strong Organic Foundation
At 6.93% organic matter, Stevens County stays well above the national average of 2.0% even if it trails the state average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures that plants have a steady supply of moisture during the dry summer months.
Managing Heavier Prairie Soils
Specific drainage classifications are not currently documented for this area, but the high clay and silt content typically suggests slower water movement. Growers should monitor for ponding in low-lying areas during heavy spring melts.
Productive Potential in Zone 4b
A soil score of 72.9 indicates solid agricultural and gardening potential in Zone 4b. Focus on crops that tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, such as asparagus, beans, and brassicas.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stevens County have?
Stevens County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 42% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stevens County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stevens County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Stevens County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stevens County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stevens County's soil?
Based on Stevens County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Stevens County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stevens County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stevens County
Soil Verdict
Stevens 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
Stevens County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stevens 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.