Yellow Medicine County Soil Data

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota

Avg pH

7.2

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

4.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota

Alkaline Earth on the Prairie

The ground here is moderately alkaline, with an average pH of 7.19. This is significantly higher than the state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Mix for Agriculture

A blend of 34.0% sand, 42.0% silt, and 24.0% clay provides a versatile foundation. This mix offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient storage for seasonal crops.

Reliable Water Capacity

At 4.39%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 9.90%, though it remains double the national average. The available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is competitive with the statewide average of 0.199.

Effective Water Management

While specific drainage classifications are not currently listed, the high silt and clay content indicates the land holds moisture effectively. These soils typically support deep-rooted prairie and crop species.

Hardy Prairie Zone 4b

This Zone 4b landscape is perfect for hardy grains and native prairie plantings. With a soil score of 65.1, your backyard projects will thrive with regular additions of compost and organic mulch.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 34.0%
Silt: 42.0%
Clay: 24.0%
Loam

Soil pH

7.2pH
7.19344225788917
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Yellow Medicine County have?

Yellow Medicine County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 42% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Yellow Medicine County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Yellow Medicine 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 Yellow Medicine County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Yellow Medicine County.

What crops or plants grow well in Yellow Medicine County's soil?

Based on Yellow Medicine 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 Yellow Medicine County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Yellow Medicine County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.