McCone County Soil Data
McCone County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McCone County, Montana
High Alkalinity in the East
McCone County reports a pH of 7.55, making it more alkaline than the state average of 7.43 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the semi-arid mineral environments of eastern Montana.
A Smooth, Silty Texture
The soil consists of 40.1% silt, 35.4% sand, and 24.5% clay. This high silt content provides a smooth texture that is generally easy to work, though it can be susceptible to surface crusting after rain.
Strong Water Retention Capacity
Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.87%, but the water capacity of 0.170 is higher than the state's 0.165 benchmark. This means the soil is excellent at holding onto moisture during dry periods.
Moderate Drainage Potential
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the mix of silt and clay suggests moderate water retention. Farmers should monitor their fields to ensure the soil doesn't become too compacted during heavy irrigation.
Resilient Crops for Zone 4a
Within Hardiness Zone 4a, success comes to those who plant wheat, flax, and hardy root vegetables. Use the high water retention of your local soil to start a productive home garden today.
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
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.5. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McCone County have?
McCone County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 40% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McCone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McCone County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for McCone County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McCone County.
What crops or plants grow well in McCone County's soil?
Based on McCone County's Loam texture, pH of 7.5, 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 McCone County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McCone County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McCone County
Soil Verdict
McCone 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
McCone County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McCone 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.