Cass County Soil Data
Cass County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cass County, North Dakota
Alkaline Soils in the Red River Valley
Cass County soil carries an average pH of 7.31, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and slightly above the North Dakota average of 7.18. While specific taxonomic orders are not categorized here, the pH levels indicate a mineral-rich environment common to the region. This alkalinity influences how nutrients like phosphorus remain available to local plants.
A Balanced Mix of Silt and Sand
The soil composition consists of 40.4% silt, 37.8% sand, and 21.8% clay. This balanced distribution creates a workable texture that avoids the extreme heaviness of pure clay while retaining enough structure for farming. This mix generally provides a stable foundation for root development and equipment movement.
Strong Organic Matter Fuels Growth
At 4.38%, the organic matter content is more than double the national average of 2.0%, though it sits just below the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in closely tracks the North Dakota average, ensuring reliable moisture storage during the growing season. This combination supports the high productivity of the county's famous agricultural lands.
Reliable Moisture and Subsurface Hydrology
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data, but the balanced soil texture suggests moderate internal movement. The water capacity indicates that the soil can hold significant moisture before reaching a saturation point. Gardeners should monitor local conditions as the high silt content can lead to surface crusting after heavy rains.
Productive Gardening in Zone 4a
Cass County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, where hardy vegetables and grains thrive in the alkaline, organic-rich soil. Local gardeners find success with cold-weather crops like wheat, soybeans, and hardy perennials. Start your garden early in the spring to take full advantage of this fertile, well-balanced soil profile.
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 Cass County have?
Cass County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cass County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cass County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Cass County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cass County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cass County's soil?
Based on Cass County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Cass County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cass County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cass County
Soil Verdict
Cass 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
Cass County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cass 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.