McHenry County Soil Data
McHenry County, North Dakota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McHenry County, North Dakota
Alkaline Sands of McHenry County
McHenry County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.21, notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This slight alkalinity sits just above the North Dakota state average of 7.18.
A Sandy Foundation for Growth
The soil contains 49.3% sand, 30.6% silt, and 18.4% clay. This high sand content suggests rapid water movement and easier tilling compared to the heavier clay soils found in other parts of the state.
High Organic Matter Boosts Yields
Organic matter reaches a rich 5.36%, significantly outperforming the national average of 2.0%. While the water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly below the state average, the nutrient-dense soil provides a strong foundation for local crops.
Natural Aeration and Rapid Drainage
Local records do not specify a dominant drainage class, but the 49.3% sand ratio indicates naturally porous behavior. This composition helps prevent waterlogging during the spring thaw, though it may require more frequent irrigation in dry summers.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4a
Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, McHenry County supports hearty staples like spring wheat and sunflowers. Gardeners can thrive here by choosing cold-hardy varieties that leverage the exceptionally high organic content.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McHenry County have?
McHenry County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 31% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McHenry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McHenry 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 McHenry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McHenry County.
What crops or plants grow well in McHenry County's soil?
Based on McHenry 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 McHenry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McHenry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McHenry 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.