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Judith Basin County Soil Data

Judith Basin County, Montana

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Judith Basin County, Montana

Heart of Big Sky Soil

Specific soil pH and taxonomic order data for Judith Basin are currently unmeasured in the regional database. The region typically mirrors the Montana state average pH of 7.43, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

A Foundation for Montana Farming

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this county. The area is historically known for its productive dryland farming, suggesting a texture that balances moisture retention and aeration.

Fertility Tracking for Future Growth

Organic matter and available water capacity data for this county are not currently recorded. Improving soil health to reach the state average of 2.54% organic matter can significantly boost the resilience of local crops.

Monitoring Runoff in the Basin

Official drainage classifications are not documented in the current survey for Judith Basin. Local land managers should observe water flow patterns to determine the best use for their specific agricultural or residential acreage.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone is perfect for staples like wheat, barley, and potatoes. Plant your garden this season and join a long tradition of successful cultivation in this iconic Montana basin.

Soil Composition

Composition data not available for this county.

Soil pH

pH data not available for this county.

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: Unknown

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.

Soil Amendment Products

Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Judith Basin County have?

Judith Basin County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Is Judith Basin County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Judith Basin County.

What is the drainage class for Judith Basin County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Judith Basin County.

What crops or plants grow well in Judith Basin County's soil?

Based on Judith Basin County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.

What USDA soil order is found in Judith Basin County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Judith Basin County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Judith Basin County

Soil Verdict

Judith Basin 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

Judith Basin County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions.

Other Counties in Montana

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.