Cavalier County Soil Data
Cavalier County, North Dakota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cavalier County, North Dakota
Neutral to Alkaline High-Quality Soil
Cavalier County features a soil pH of 7.20, which is nearly identical to the state average and moderately higher than the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality is ideal for many commercial crops, preventing the nutrient lock-out often seen in acidic soils. This chemical balance contributes to the county's impressive overall soil score of 71.4.
Silty Loam Texture Prevails
The soil is comprised of 37.8% sand, 37.2% silt, and 22.8% clay. This texture offers a fine balance between drainage and nutrient retention, making the land highly workable for diverse agricultural uses. The moderate clay percentage ensures the soil stays together without becoming overly compacted.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
With a massive 6.22% organic matter content, Cavalier County significantly outperforms the state average of 4.69% and triples the national average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in is also well above the state norm of 0.186. This combination creates a powerhouse of fertility and moisture resilience for any grower.
Superior Water Storage Potential
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high available water capacity indicates these soils are excellent at buffering against dry spells. The soil's ability to hold nearly 0.20 inches of water per inch of soil depth is a major asset for dryland farming. Builders and gardeners should expect these soils to stay moist longer than those in neighboring counties.
Resilient Growing in Zone 3b
In the cool climate of Zone 3b, the high organic matter in Cavalier County provides a vital nutrient boost for a shorter growing season. Cereal grains, sunflowers, and potatoes are ideal matches for this rich, moisture-retentive soil. Despite the cold winters, this is some of the most fertile ground in the state for a dedicated gardener.
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 Cavalier County have?
Cavalier County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 37% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cavalier County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cavalier 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 Cavalier County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cavalier County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cavalier County's soil?
Based on Cavalier 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 Cavalier County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cavalier County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cavalier 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.