Burke County Soil Data
Burke County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Burke County, North Dakota
The Alkaline Soils of the Northwest
Burke County soils average a pH of 7.24, slightly higher than the state average of 7.18 and the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile reflects the mineral-rich glacial till found across the northwestern part of the state. It is a robust base for traditional prairie agriculture.
Balanced Particles for Dependable Structure
The soil mix is 40.9% sand, 37.3% silt, and 21.8% clay. This creates a balanced texture that is neither too sandy to lose water nor too clay-heavy to work. It provides a dependable medium for a variety of local land uses.
Solid Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 4.04%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, which is slightly better than the North Dakota state average of 0.186. This ensures the soil remains productive even when rainfall is inconsistent.
Moderate Permeability and Hydrology
Specific drainage class data is not available, but the balanced composition suggests moderate internal drainage. The soil is capable of holding significant moisture while still allowing for air to reach plant roots. This is a reliable profile for both farming and building.
Reliable Yields in Zone 4a
Hardiness Zone 4a is well-suited for legumes, small grains, and hardy garden vegetables. Burke County's soil score of 61.6 is very close to the state average of 63.2. This consistency makes it a great place to start a successful home vegetable patch.
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 Burke County have?
Burke County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 37% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Burke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burke 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 Burke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Burke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Burke County's soil?
Based on Burke 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 Burke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Burke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Burke County
Soil Verdict
Burke 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
Burke County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Burke 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.