Stillwater County Soil Data
Stillwater County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stillwater County, Montana
Foothills and River Valley Soils
Stillwater County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in this dataset. Most local soils follow the Montana trend of alkalinity, averaging around 7.43 compared to the national median of 6.5. The proximity to the Beartooth Mountains creates a diverse range of soil identities from north to south.
Variable Textures of the Yellowstone
No specific percentages for sand, silt, or clay are available for this jurisdiction. The county features a mix of river-fed alluvium and upland silts, offering various levels of workability. These soils often have a significant gravel component due to the local geology.
Building Potential in the Valleys
Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unlisted for Stillwater County. Montana’s state average organic matter of 2.54% is a good target for local growers to aim for. Adding organic material will help improve the water-holding capacity of the sometimes-rocky foothill soils.
Managing Runoff and Irrigation
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not cataloged here. Because the county spans from river valleys to mountains, drainage speeds vary wildly based on location and slope. Understanding how water moves across your specific plot is the first step to a successful landscape.
Thriving in Zone 5a
Stillwater County resides in Hardiness Zone 5a, supporting a wide range of hardy vegetables and berries. The cool mountain nights are perfect for brassicas like kale and broccoli, which become sweeter with a light frost. Start your garden in a sunny, sheltered spot to protect plants from wind.
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
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stillwater County have?
Stillwater 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 Stillwater County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Stillwater County.
What is the drainage class for Stillwater County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stillwater County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stillwater County's soil?
Based on Stillwater 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 Stillwater County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stillwater County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stillwater County
Soil Verdict
Stillwater County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Stillwater County is somewhat warmer than the Montana statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Stillwater 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.