Valley County Soil Data
Valley County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Valley County, Montana
A Classic Montana Soil Profile
Valley County averages a pH of 7.30, making it slightly less alkaline than the state average of 7.43. While it remains more basic than the national 6.5 median, it provides a healthy baseline for prairie vegetation.
Heavy Silt and Clay Balance
The soil is a complex mix of 36.0% silt and 29.3% clay, with sand making up the remaining 34.7%. This high silt and clay combination creates a dense soil that is excellent at holding onto applied fertilizers.
Strong Water Retention Capacity
Valley County boasts an available water capacity of 0.168 in/in, which is higher than the state average. Although organic matter is lower at 1.96% compared to the state's 2.54%, the soil's ability to hold water is a major asset.
Steady Moisture for the Plains
The high clay and silt levels indicate that this soil may drain slowly during heavy Montana rains. This trait is beneficial in a semi-arid climate as it keeps moisture available to plant roots for longer periods.
Northern Resilience in Zone 4a
In Zone 4a, cold-hardiness is key for any successful garden. Use the soil's great water capacity to grow thirsty crops like squash, provided you use mulch to protect against the summer sun.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Valley County have?
Valley County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 36% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Valley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Valley County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Valley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Valley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Valley County's soil?
Based on Valley County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Valley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Valley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Valley County
Soil Verdict
Valley 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
Valley County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Valley 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.