Emmons County Soil Data

Emmons County, North Dakota

Avg pH

7.0

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

3.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Emmons County, North Dakota

Near-Neutral Soil Along the Missouri

Emmons County soil has a pH of 6.99, making it virtually neutral and very close to the national median of 6.5. This is lower than the state average of 7.18, providing a highly versatile environment where most plants can easily access nutrients. This balanced chemistry is a significant asset for local growers.

Loamy Mix with High Sand

The soil composition is 40.8% sand, 38.8% silt, and 20.4% clay. This mixture provides a classic loamy feel that is easy to manage and highly adaptable to different types of agriculture. The moderate clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from eroding too easily.

Good Water Storage, Modest Organic Matter

At 3.41%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still well above the national 2.0% baseline. Interestingly, the available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is actually higher than the state average of 0.186. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto every drop of rain it receives.

Reliable Water Management

While drainage class data is not available, the balanced percentages of sand and silt indicate steady water movement through the soil. The above-average water capacity suggests this soil acts as a reliable reservoir for crops during the dry spells common to the Missouri River region. It is a stable choice for both farming and construction.

Versatile Growing in Zone 4a

Emmons County's Zone 4a climate and neutral pH allow for a wide variety of garden favorites, from tomatoes to fruit trees. The soil’s ability to hold water makes it more forgiving for gardeners who might miss a day of watering. This is a prime location to establish a productive, diverse backyard orchard or vegetable patch.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 40.8%
Silt: 38.8%
Clay: 20.4%
Loam

Soil pH

7.0pH
6.98975047494567
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Emmons County have?

Emmons 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 Emmons County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Emmons County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Emmons County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Emmons County.

What crops or plants grow well in Emmons County's soil?

Based on Emmons County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Emmons County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Emmons County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.