Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grant County, North Dakota
Perfectly Neutral Western Soil
Grant County features an average pH of 7.00, hitting the sweet spot of neutrality compared to the more alkaline state average of 7.18. However, its overall soil score of 56.8 is lower than the state benchmark of 63.2.
High Sand for Rapid Drainage
With a high sand content of 45.1% and only 20.9% clay, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and work. The 34.1% silt helps bind the particles, but the sand-heavy mix means water moves through the profile quickly.
Room for Organic Growth
At 2.76%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.69%, though still higher than the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.175 in/in suggests that irrigation or mulching may be necessary to support thirsty crops.
Managing Well-Draining Sandy Grounds
While official drainage classes are unavailable, the 45.1% sand composition indicates rapid drainage and low risk of ponding. This makes the land excellent for structures but requires active water management for gardening.
Drought-Resistant Options for Zone 4a
In Hardiness Zone 4a, focus on native grasses and drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in neutral, sandy soils. Adding compost will help boost the organic matter and improve the water retention of your home garden.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grant County have?
Grant County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 34% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grant 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 Grant County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grant County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?
Based on Grant County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Grant County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grant County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant 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
Grant County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.