Prairie County Soil Data
Prairie County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Prairie County, Montana
Alkaline Soils of the East
Prairie County soils have a pH of 7.56, making them more alkaline than both the national 6.5 median and the state average of 7.43. The overall soil score is 37.7.
A High Silt Composition
The soil is comprised of 41.3% silt, 36.9% sand, and 21.8% clay. This high silt content generally makes the soil easier to work than those with higher clay levels.
Average Water Retention Capacity
Organic matter is 1.90%, which is below the state average of 2.54%. However, the available water capacity of 0.166 in/in is almost exactly on par with the state average.
Silt-Driven Drainage Dynamics
While dominant drainage classes are not listed, the silt-heavy texture suggests moderate drainage capabilities. Monitoring for moisture levels is important during the dry summer months.
Hardy Choices for Zone 4a
Zone 4a requires choosing plants that can survive a short, intense growing season. Root vegetables and leafy greens are perfect candidates for your Prairie County garden.
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 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Prairie County have?
Prairie County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 41% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Prairie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Prairie 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 Prairie County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Prairie County.
What crops or plants grow well in Prairie County's soil?
Based on Prairie 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 Prairie County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Prairie County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Prairie County
Soil Verdict
Prairie 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
Prairie County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Prairie 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.