Todd County Soil Data
Todd County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Todd County, Minnesota
Acidic Profiles in Central Minnesota
Todd County’s soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.78 compared to the state average of 6.21. This chemical makeup typically requires lime amendments for growers looking to raise more sensitive garden vegetables.
High Sand Content Dominates
A massive 62.4% sand content defines this soil, paired with just 10.4% clay. This results in an incredibly loose, workable texture that drains very quickly but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers.
Rich Matter in a Thirsty Soil
The county features a high organic matter content of 9.40%, which is nearly on par with the state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.166 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil dries out faster than most in Minnesota.
Rapid Water Movement
While official drainage classifications are not listed, the 62.4% sand content strongly suggests a soil that moves water through the profile at a rapid pace. This is ideal for avoiding root rot but requires frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants.
Nurturing Zone 4a Gardens
A soil score of 61.8 reflects the challenges of sandy, acidic earth in the cooler Zone 4a. Focus on hardy, sand-tolerant crops like potatoes or blueberries that thrive in these specific central Minnesota conditions.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Todd County have?
Todd County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 22% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Todd County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Todd County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Todd County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Todd County.
What crops or plants grow well in Todd County's soil?
Based on Todd County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Todd County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Todd County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Todd County
Soil Verdict
Todd County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Todd County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Todd 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.