Bowman County Soil Data
Bowman County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bowman County, North Dakota
Neutral pH in the High Plains
Bowman County features a pH of 7.08, making it one of the most neutral soil profiles in North Dakota. It is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 7.18. This makes it highly versatile for a variety of specialty crops and native flora.
Sand-Forward Texture for Better Aeration
Composition is 42.7% sand, 35.7% silt, and 21.7% clay. This sandier mix provides great drainage and keeps the soil from becoming too heavy during wet periods. It is an ideal texture for deep-rooted prairie plants.
Lean but Clean Soil Fertility
Organic matter is lower at 2.56%, trailing the state average of 4.69% but still exceeding the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is below the state average of 0.186. Gardeners here should focus on moisture-retention techniques like mulching.
Fast-Draining Semi-Arid Profiles
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high sand content generally leads to rapid drainage. This is beneficial for preventing salt buildup in the soil over time. Irrigation management is key here to keep plants thriving during the heat.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 4b
The 4b hardiness zone allows for a good variety of warm-season crops if watered properly. Although the soil score of 54.9 is below the state average, the neutral pH makes it easy to amend and improve. It is a rewarding environment for a dedicated backyard grower.
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 Bowman County have?
Bowman County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 36% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bowman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bowman 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 Bowman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bowman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bowman County's soil?
Based on Bowman 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 Bowman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bowman County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bowman County
Soil Verdict
Bowman 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
Bowman 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 Bowman 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.