Barnes County Soil Data
Barnes County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Barnes County, North Dakota
Alkaline Earth of the Eastern Plains
Barnes County has an average pH of 7.33, sitting well above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is also higher than the North Dakota state average of 7.18. These mineral-rich soils are typical for the glaciated regions of the Red River Valley hinterlands.
Silt-Heavy Soils for Better Retention
The soil is comprised of 40.6% silt, 34.5% sand, and 24.9% clay. The high silt and clay content provides excellent nutrient retention and a sturdy structure for large-scale agriculture. It requires careful management to avoid compaction during wet years.
State-Average Water Storage Capacity
Organic matter is a healthy 4.42%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in exactly matches the North Dakota state average. This balance provides a great reservoir for thirsty summer crops.
High Moisture Retention Challenges
Though specific drainage classifications are not listed, the 24.9% clay content suggests these soils hold onto moisture tightly. This is beneficial during droughts but may require tiled drainage for high-yield farming. Home gardeners should watch for slow-draining spots in the yard.
Productive Gardening in Zone 4a
In Zone 4a, sunflowers and spring wheat thrive in the nutrient-dense Barnes County soil. A soil score of 60.4 represents a solid foundation for local food production. Start a garden this season with hardy perennials that enjoy mineral-rich, alkaline conditions.
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 Barnes County have?
Barnes County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 41% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barnes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barnes 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 Barnes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Barnes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Barnes County's soil?
Based on Barnes County's 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 Barnes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barnes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Barnes County
Soil Verdict
Barnes 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
Barnes County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barnes County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in North Dakota
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.