McLean County Soil Data
McLean County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McLean County, North Dakota
Stable Alkaline Soils of McLean
McLean County features an alkaline soil pH of 7.12, staying close to the state average of 7.18. This measurement remains significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, influencing local nutrient availability for native plants.
Balanced Minerals and Soil Structure
The soil contains 40.8% sand, 37.6% silt, and 21.1% clay. This mixture provides a stable structure that balances drainage needs with the ability to retain essential minerals throughout the year.
Healthy Matter and Reliable Capacity
Organic matter sits at a healthy 4.09%, doubling the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity matches the state average of 0.186 in/in, ensuring reliable moisture for consistent crop development.
Natural Aeration for Healthy Roots
Although dominant drainage classes are not recorded, the 40.8% sand content ensures the ground does not become overly compacted. This natural texture facilitates healthy aeration for roots and helps manage runoff during heavy rains.
Ideal for Hardy Berries and Alfalfa
Falling within Hardiness Zone 4a, this area is well-suited for alfalfa and hardy berries. The reliable soil score of 63.7 suggests that local gardeners will find great success with established northern vegetable varieties.
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 McLean County have?
McLean County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 38% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McLean County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McLean County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for McLean County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McLean County.
What crops or plants grow well in McLean County's soil?
Based on McLean County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 McLean County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McLean County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McLean County
Soil Verdict
McLean 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
McLean County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McLean 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.