Griggs County Soil Data
Griggs County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Griggs County, North Dakota
Alkaline Sands of Central North Dakota
Griggs County soil measures a pH of 7.25, placing it on the alkaline side of the national 6.5 median. Its soil score of 60.2 is nearly consistent with the state's average quality, providing a reliable baseline for agriculture.
Sand-Dominant Texture and Easy Tilth
The soil is comprised of 44.9% sand and 36.0% silt, with a lower clay content of 19.1%. This creates a light, workable texture that warms up quickly in the spring but may require more frequent watering.
Strong Organic Foundation for Farming
The soil boasts 4.07% organic matter, which is double the national average and supports robust microbial life. Its water capacity of 0.184 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, offering steady hydration for local flora.
Swift Drainage and High Permeability
Standard drainage data is limited, yet the high sand percentage implies that water moves efficiently through the soil. This prevents the root rot issues often found in heavier clay soils, though it limits long-term moisture storage.
Cold-Hardy Varieties for Zone 4a
Zone 4a growers should choose hardy cereal grains or prairie-adapted shrubs for the best results in these sandy loams. The high organic content makes it a great spot for vegetable gardening if you provide consistent moisture.
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 Griggs County have?
Griggs County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 36% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Griggs County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Griggs 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 Griggs County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Griggs County.
What crops or plants grow well in Griggs County's soil?
Based on Griggs 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 Griggs County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Griggs County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Griggs County
Soil Verdict
Griggs 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
Griggs County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Griggs 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.