Kidder County Soil Data
Kidder County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kidder County, North Dakota
Solid Alkaline Soils in the Plains
Kidder County soil has an average pH of 7.20, which is slightly higher than the state average and above the 6.5 national median. Its overall soil score of 61.0 indicates a productive landscape for traditional North Dakota agriculture.
Sandy Texture with Medium Silt
The soil is dominated by 43.1% sand and 34.9% silt, with clay making up the remaining 20.9%. This composition ensures the soil is not overly heavy, allowing for good aeration and easy root penetration for developing plants.
Rich Organic Matter and Moisture
Organic matter is strong at 4.32%, providing plenty of fuel for crops and exceeding the national average by more than double. The water capacity of 0.182 in/in is just below the state average but remains high enough to support dryland farming.
Natural Drainage and Low Compaction
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the 43.1% sand content points toward a soil that drains relatively quickly. This helps prevent standing water after heavy rains, though it may require monitoring during heatwaves.
Hearty Crops for Zone 4a
In Hardiness Zone 4a, this soil is well-suited for forage crops, barley, and hardy garden vegetables like kale and carrots. The high organic matter means your garden beds will be naturally fertile from the very first season.
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 Kidder County have?
Kidder County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 35% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kidder County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kidder County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Kidder County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kidder County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kidder County's soil?
Based on Kidder County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Kidder County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kidder County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kidder County
Soil Verdict
Kidder 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
Kidder County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kidder 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.