Musselshell County Soil Data
Musselshell County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Musselshell County, Montana
Alkaline Soils with a Solid Score
Musselshell County features a pH of 7.56, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. Its overall soil score of 46.2 outpaces the Montana state average of 43.1.
A Balanced Loamy Mix
The soil contains 35.7% sand, 36.9% silt, and 24.9% clay. This balanced composition offers a good middle ground for workability and nutrient retention.
Rich in Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at a robust 3.68%, significantly higher than the state average of 2.54%. The available water capacity of 0.160 in/in is just slightly below the Montana average of 0.165.
High Runoff Potential Challenges
The county belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. Managing water flow is critical for preventing erosion on local land.
Hardy Growth in Zone 4b
In USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners can leverage high organic matter to grow resilient crops like squash and root vegetables. Start your seeds early indoors to maximize the growing season.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
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 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Musselshell County have?
Musselshell County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 37% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Musselshell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Musselshell County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Musselshell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Musselshell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Musselshell County's soil?
Based on Musselshell County's Loam texture, pH of 7.6, 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 Musselshell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Musselshell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Musselshell County
Soil Verdict
Musselshell 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
Musselshell County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Musselshell 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.