Wilkin County Soil Data
Wilkin County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wilkin County, Minnesota
High pH Across the Plains
Wilkin County features more alkaline soil than its neighbors, with a pH of 7.26. This level sits well above the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota average of 6.21.
Dense Silt and Clay Mix
The soil is defined by a heavy presence of silt at 42.1% and sand at 32.7%. This combination, along with 23.9% clay, creates a dense and fertile medium that holds its shape well.
Competitive Water Storage
Organic matter is strong at 7.30%, though it trails the state average of 9.90%. The water capacity of 0.191 in/in is nearly on par with the Minnesota average of 0.199, ensuring steady growth for native plants.
Stable Hydrology for Crops
Precise drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. The silt-heavy composition suggests moderate drainage speeds that prevent rapid drying in the summer months.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4a
In the cooler Zone 4a, cold-tolerant crops like wheat and sugar beets are the local staples. Despite the short season, your garden will benefit from this nutrient-dense and moisture-retaining earth.
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 Wilkin County have?
Wilkin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 42% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wilkin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wilkin County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Wilkin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wilkin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wilkin County's soil?
Based on Wilkin County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Wilkin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wilkin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wilkin County
Soil Verdict
Wilkin 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
Wilkin County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wilkin 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.