Billings County Soil Data
Billings County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Billings County, North Dakota
Near-Neutral Foundation in the Badlands
Billings County has a pH of 7.10, making it one of the more neutral soil profiles in the state compared to the 7.18 average. It remains above the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemistry is ideal for a wide variety of native grasses and shrubs.
The Perfect Balance of Particles
The soil is remarkably balanced with 40.5% sand, 39.1% silt, and 20.3% clay. This distribution creates a loamy quality that supports plant roots without being too loose or too dense. It provides a stable and versatile medium for land management.
Above-Average Fertility and Storage
Organic matter levels reach 4.78%, beating the state average of 4.69% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in also exceeds the state average of 0.186. These stats indicate a highly fertile soil that manages water efficiently.
Resilient Water Handling Capabilities
While specific drainage classes are not listed for this county, the high water capacity suggests a soil that acts like a sponge. This helps sustain vegetation during the dry periods common in the western Badlands. The particle mix supports good internal moisture movement.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4b
Zone 4b allows for a longer growing season than many northern ND counties, making it great for hardy tomatoes and peppers. A soil score of 66.9 puts this county above the state average of 63.2. It is an excellent environment for anyone looking to cultivate the land.
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 Billings County have?
Billings County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 39% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Billings County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Billings County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Billings County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Billings County.
What crops or plants grow well in Billings County's soil?
Based on Billings County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Billings County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Billings County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Billings County
Soil Verdict
Billings County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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
Billings County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Billings 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.