Yellow Medicine County Soil Data
Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Yellow Medicine County
Soil Verdict
Yellow Medicine 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
Yellow Medicine County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yellow Medicine 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.