Hettinger County Soil Data
Hettinger County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hettinger County, North Dakota
Superior Soils with Near-Neutral pH
Hettinger County stands out with a 65.3 soil score, beating the North Dakota state average of 63.2. Its average pH of 6.94 is nearly neutral, making it one of the most chemically balanced soils in the region compared to the 6.5 national median.
A Versatile Loam-Like Balance
The soil profile is evenly split with 39.4% sand and 38.2% silt, rounded out by 22.4% clay. This distribution provides an excellent balance between drainage, nutrient retention, and physical workability for farmers.
Reliable Water Storage Capacity
Organic matter sits at a healthy 3.68%, well above the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is exactly 0.186 in/in, matching the state average and ensuring crops have a dependable reservoir during the growing season.
Steady Moisture Flow and Retention
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced mix of sand and clay suggests moderate drainage speeds. This soil effectively holds onto nutrients without becoming waterlogged as easily as heavier soils.
Prime Growing Conditions in Zone 4a
Hettinger's neutral pH and high soil score make it ideal for Zone 4a crops like sunflowers, corn, and spring wheat. Home gardeners will find this soil very forgiving and productive for a wide range of vegetables.
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 Hettinger County have?
Hettinger County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 38% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hettinger County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hettinger County's soil has a pH of 6.9, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hettinger County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hettinger County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hettinger County's soil?
Based on Hettinger County's Loam texture, pH of 6.9, 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 Hettinger County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hettinger County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hettinger County
Soil Verdict
Hettinger 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
Hettinger County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hettinger 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.