Divide County Soil Data
Divide County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Divide County, North Dakota
Alkaline Soil in the Northwest Corner
Divide County presents a pH of 7.26, placing it squarely in the alkaline range compared to the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly higher than the state average of 7.18, characteristic of the drier northwestern plains. These levels mean growers should keep an eye on micronutrient availability, as iron and zinc can sometimes be bound in basic soils.
Balanced Sands and Silts
The soil profile is comprised of 41.1% sand, 37.1% silt, and 21.8% clay. This mixture provides a stable medium that is not overly susceptible to compaction or extreme drainage issues. It is a versatile texture that supports the diverse dryland farming typical of the region.
Modest Organic Content for the Region
Divide County has 3.81% organic matter, which is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still significantly higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.181 in/in is also slightly below the state norm. These numbers reflect the semi-arid climate of the northwest, where organic matter accumulates more slowly.
Managing Dryland Hydrology
With no specific drainage class data provided, the soil’s texture and water capacity suggest it is moderately well-draining. The lower available water capacity means the soil has less of a buffer against drought than eastern counties. Efficient water management is the key to success for both farmers and backyard gardeners here.
Hardy Growing in Zone 4a
Located in Zone 4a, Divide County is well-suited for drought-tolerant crops like spring wheat and pulses. The soil's texture allows for early-season workability as soon as the frost leaves the ground. It is a great environment for a garden filled with native prairie perennials and hardy cool-season vegetables.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Divide County have?
Divide 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 Divide County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Divide 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 Divide County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Divide County.
What crops or plants grow well in Divide County's soil?
Based on Divide 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 Divide County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Divide County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Divide County
Soil Verdict
Divide 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
Divide 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 Divide 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.