Traverse County Soil Data
Traverse County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Traverse County, Minnesota
Western Border’s Alkaline Earth
Traverse County’s average pH of 7.19 is much higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is common in the Red River Valley region, where ancient lakebed deposits influence the current soil chemistry.
Heavy Silt and Clay Mix
The composition is 45.5% silt and 27.4% clay, making it one of the heavier soil profiles in the region. With only 26.3% sand, this soil is exceptionally good at holding onto minerals and moisture.
Solid Water Storage Capacity
Available water capacity sits at 0.195 in/in, providing a reliable reservoir for crops during the growing season. While the 5.41% organic matter is lower than the Minnesota average, it remains triple the national average.
Slower Drainage on the Flats
Although specific drainage data is missing, the high clay content suggests that water moves slowly through this profile. Proper field tiling or raised beds in gardens can help manage moisture during wet Minnesota springs.
Productive Zone 4b Soils
Traverse County holds a respectable soil score of 68.6. In Zone 4b, your garden will benefit from the high nutrient retention of these silty soils—perfect for heavy-feeding crops like corn and squash.
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: 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 Traverse County have?
Traverse County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 45% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Traverse County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Traverse 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 Traverse County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Traverse County.
What crops or plants grow well in Traverse County's soil?
Based on Traverse County's Clay 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 Traverse County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Traverse County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Traverse County
Soil Verdict
Traverse 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
Traverse 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 Traverse 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.