Grand Forks County Soil Data
Grand Forks County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grand Forks County, North Dakota
Alkaline Soils of the Red River Valley
Grand Forks County has a notably alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.32, well above the national median of 6.5. The county's overall soil score of 60.5 reflects a solid foundation, though it slightly trails the state average of 63.2.
Balanced Texture for Northern Agriculture
The earth here is a mix of 40.0% silt, 37.2% sand, and 22.9% clay. This relatively high clay percentage compared to neighboring counties helps retain nutrients but requires careful timing to avoid compaction during wet years.
Strong Organic Matter for Growing
The soil contains 4.18% organic matter, significantly beating the national average of 2.0% despite being lower than the North Dakota average. An available water capacity of 0.187 in/in matches the state average, providing reliable moisture for valley crops.
Managing Moisture in Silt and Clay
Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the 22.9% clay content suggests the soil may drain more slowly than sandier regions. Proper field management is key to navigating the high water retention capabilities of this landscape.
Potatoes and Grains in Zone 4a
This Zone 4a environment is famous for potatoes, sugar beets, and small grains that love the mineral-rich soil. Local gardeners should look for plants that tolerate slightly alkaline conditions to make the most of this fertile ground.
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 Grand Forks County have?
Grand Forks County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 40% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grand Forks County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grand Forks County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grand Forks County's soil?
Based on Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grand Forks County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grand Forks County
Soil Verdict
Grand Forks 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
Grand Forks County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grand Forks 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.