Burleigh County Soil Data
Burleigh County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Burleigh County, North Dakota
Near-Neutral Soils of Central North Dakota
Burleigh County features a pH of 7.10, which is slightly more neutral than the North Dakota average of 7.18. It remains higher than the 6.5 national median, providing a balanced chemical environment. This profile is excellent for the diverse agriculture surrounding the state capital.
Loamy Texture for Optimal Growth
With 40.8% sand, 38.9% silt, and 19.7% clay, the soil texture is remarkably balanced. This combination prevents the ground from becoming too hard when dry or too sticky when wet. It is an ideal mix for maintaining soil health and aeration.
Stable Organic Content and Water Capacity
Organic matter is 3.77%, well above the 2.0% national average though lower than the 4.69% state average. Available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.186. This ensures the soil stays hydrated enough to support healthy crops through the summer.
Versatile Moisture Management
While formal drainage class records are not listed, the low clay percentage suggests the soil is not prone to severe waterlogging. It likely offers moderate to high permeability, making it suitable for both irrigation and dryland farming. The soil's physical properties make it easy to manage.
Capital Gardening in Zone 4a
Zone 4a is perfect for growing everything from corn to cold-tolerant perennials. Burleigh County’s soil score of 62.2 is essentially at the state average, meaning you can expect consistent results. It’s an inviting environment for any home gardener looking to plant roots.
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 Burleigh County have?
Burleigh 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 Burleigh County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burleigh 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 Burleigh County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Burleigh County.
What crops or plants grow well in Burleigh County's soil?
Based on Burleigh 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 Burleigh County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Burleigh County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Burleigh County
Soil Verdict
Burleigh 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
Burleigh County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Burleigh 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.