Swift County Soil Data
Swift County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Swift County, Minnesota
Alkaline Soils of the River Valley
Swift County reports an average pH of 7.19, which is quite high compared to the Minnesota state average of 6.21. This alkaline nature reflects the unique mineral heritage of the local landscape and the Minnesota River valley.
Silty Soils with High Retention
The soil composition includes 41.6% silt and 24.7% clay, creating a dense texture that excels at holding nutrients. The 31.9% sand component provides just enough grit to help with structural stability underfoot.
Healthy Matter but Lower Water Storage
Organic matter stands at a healthy 6.23%, providing essential nutrients for the 4b hardiness zone. However, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.199, requiring attentive irrigation during droughts.
Natural Water Management
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and clay levels often indicate moderate to slow drainage speeds. It is vital for local land managers to prioritize soil structure to prevent compaction in these heavy soils.
Grow Strong in Swift County
With a soil score of 67.7, this land is ready for productive use in Zone 4b. Alkaline-tolerant shrubs and classic prairie vegetables will thrive here if you manage the water levels during the peak of summer.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Swift County have?
Swift County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 42% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Swift County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Swift County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Swift County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Swift County.
What crops or plants grow well in Swift County's soil?
Based on Swift County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Swift County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Swift County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Swift County
Soil Verdict
Swift 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
Swift County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Swift 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.