Dickey County Soil Data
Dickey County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dickey County, North Dakota
Consistent Alkaline Soil Chemistry
Dickey County soil registers an average pH of 7.23, staying consistent with the state's typical alkaline profile of 7.18. This is higher than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the mineral-rich glacial till heritage of the region. This pH level is conducive to many regional crops that have adapted to slightly basic environments.
Sandy Texture with Quick Drainage
With 44.1% sand and 35.5% silt, Dickey County has a coarser soil texture than many of its northern neighbors. This higher sand content, paired with 20.4% clay, suggests easier tilling and faster warming in the spring. However, it may require more frequent monitoring of moisture levels during peak summer heat.
Solid Fertility with Moderate Moisture
Organic matter sits at 4.06%, which is double the national average but slightly behind the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is just under the state benchmark of 0.186. While not the richest in the state, the soil provides a dependable foundation for standard regional agriculture.
Fast-Moving Water and Aeration
The relatively high sand content implies that water moves through the profile more quickly than in heavier clay soils. Though specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, this composition typically offers better aeration for root systems. This makes the land less prone to waterlogging after spring snowmelt.
Southern Tier Warmth in Zone 4b
Dickey County is in Zone 4b, offering a slightly longer growing window than northern North Dakota. The sandy-leaning soil is perfect for warm-season vegetables and corn that benefit from soils that heat up quickly. It is an excellent spot to start a productive home garden with consistent watering.
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 Dickey County have?
Dickey County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 36% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dickey County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dickey 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 Dickey County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dickey County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dickey County's soil?
Based on Dickey 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 Dickey County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dickey County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dickey County
Soil Verdict
Dickey 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
Dickey 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 Dickey 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.