Liberty County Soil Data
Liberty County, Montana
Avg pH
7.4
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Liberty County, Montana
Alkaline Soils on the Plains
Liberty County features an average pH of 7.41, nearly identical to the Montana state average of 7.43. This alkaline profile is much higher than the national median of 6.5, which can limit the availability of certain micronutrients.
A Versatile Loamy Balance
The soil contains 34.8% sand, 37.3% silt, and 27.9% clay, creating a relatively balanced texture. This mix offers enough clay for nutrient retention while the sand and silt ensure the ground remains workable for farming.
Productivity Near State Averages
Organic matter stands at 2.02%, matching the national average but falling behind the Montana benchmark of 2.54%. The available water capacity of 0.163 is just below the state average of 0.165, indicating moderate drought resilience.
Steady Water Management
While formal drainage classes are not listed, the 27.9% clay content suggests a soil that holds water better than sandier regions. Growers must be careful to avoid compaction during wet years to maintain healthy root aeration.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4a
The 4a Hardiness Zone is perfect for resilient crops like barley, flax, and potatoes. Get out and plant a garden this season to make the most of Liberty County's mineral-rich soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Liberty County have?
Liberty County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 37% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Liberty County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Liberty County's soil has a pH of 7.4, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Liberty County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Liberty County.
What crops or plants grow well in Liberty County's soil?
Based on Liberty County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.4, 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 Liberty County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Liberty County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Liberty County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Montana
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.