McKenzie County Soil Data
McKenzie County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McKenzie County, North Dakota
High-Quality Plains Soil Identity
McKenzie County soil averages a pH of 7.18, aligning perfectly with the North Dakota state average. This alkaline tilt sits well above the 6.5 national median, favoring crops specifically adapted to the northern plains.
Silty Mix Offers Great Workability
The mix features 38.2% sand, 40.6% silt, and 21.2% clay. This silty composition offers excellent workability and enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients during the peak growing season.
Superior Organic Matter and Water
With an impressive 5.70% organic matter, this soil is far richer than the national average of 2.0%. Its water capacity of 0.192 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a significant buffer against seasonal droughts.
Efficient Water Management Properties
Specific drainage classifications are currently unavailable, but the high silt and organic content suggest a soil that manages water efficiently. These characteristics provide a robust environment for both agricultural roots and local construction projects.
A Powerhouse for Small Grains
McKenzie's Zone 4a status and high fertility make it a powerhouse for small grains and flax. Residents can produce high yields in home gardens by utilizing the soil's superior water-holding abilities and 68.2 soil score.
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 McKenzie County have?
McKenzie County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 41% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McKenzie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McKenzie 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 McKenzie County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McKenzie County.
What crops or plants grow well in McKenzie County's soil?
Based on McKenzie 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 McKenzie County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McKenzie County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McKenzie County
Soil Verdict
McKenzie 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
McKenzie County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McKenzie 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.