Wibaux County Soil Data
Wibaux County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wibaux County, Montana
Silty Soils of the Eastern Border
Wibaux County features a pH of 7.39, sitting comfortably near the Montana average of 7.43. This alkaline environment is much higher than the national 6.5 median, influencing which micronutrients are available to plants.
High Silt for Smooth Texture
With a high silt content of 45.7% and only 30.7% sand, these soils feel smooth and hold together well. The 23.6% clay content is lower than some neighbors, which generally improves drainage and ease of tilling.
Excellent Water Storage Ability
The available water capacity is a robust 0.178 in/in, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.165. While organic matter at 2.23% is slightly below the state mean, the soil's water-holding efficiency is top-tier.
Efficient Hydrology for Dryland Farming
The high silt percentage suggests a soil that absorbs water readily but may be prone to erosion if left uncovered. Protecting the soil surface is vital to maintaining the high available water capacity found here.
Cold-Hardy Harvests in Zone 4a
Wibaux falls into Zone 4a, meaning a short but productive season. The excellent water capacity makes this an ideal spot for deep-rooted perennials and hardy vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wibaux County have?
Wibaux County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 46% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wibaux County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wibaux County's soil has a pH of 7.4, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Wibaux County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wibaux County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wibaux County's soil?
Based on Wibaux County's Loam texture, pH of 7.4, 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 Wibaux County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wibaux County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wibaux County
Soil Verdict
Wibaux 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
Wibaux County closely matches the Montana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wibaux 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.