Emmons County Soil Data
Emmons County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Emmons County
Soil Verdict
Emmons 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
Emmons County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Emmons 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.