Bottineau County Soil Data
Bottineau County, North Dakota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bottineau County, North Dakota
Standard State pH on the Border
Bottineau County exactly matches the North Dakota state average pH of 7.18. This is higher than the national median of 6.5, representing the typical alkaline soil found in the northern plains. It provides a consistent chemical base for local agriculture.
Light and Air-Filled Soil Texture
The soil contains 39.7% sand, 32.3% silt, and 18.9% clay. With less clay than other counties, this soil resists the heavy compaction that can hinder root growth. It is exceptionally workable and warms up quickly as the snow melts.
Unmatched Organic Richness
The organic matter in Bottineau is a staggering 11.40%, over double the state average of 4.69%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.199 in/in, this is some of the most fertile soil in the region. It holds nutrients and water far better than the national average.
Sponge-Like Hydrologic Resilience
Though specific drainage data is missing, the extreme organic matter makes this soil incredibly resilient to moisture fluctuations. It acts as a massive reservoir for plant life while maintaining good structure. You will find it handles both wet and dry years better than most.
Superior Soils in Zone 3b
While Zone 3b brings a shorter growing season, the elite soil score of 75.6—well above the 63.2 state average—more than compensates. Focus on cold-hardy, nutrient-hungry crops like brassicas and heavy-feeding vegetables. This is arguably some of the best soil in the state for gardening.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bottineau County have?
Bottineau County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 32% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bottineau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bottineau County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Bottineau County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bottineau County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bottineau County's soil?
Based on Bottineau County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Bottineau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bottineau County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bottineau 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.