Mercer County Soil Data
Mercer County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mercer County, North Dakota
Near-Neutral Ground in Mercer
Mercer County boasts a near-neutral pH of 6.97, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average. This slightly lower pH compared to its neighbors allows for a broader variety of garden plants.
Crumbly Texture for Easy Tilling
A blend of 42.0% sand, 37.3% silt, and 20.7% clay defines the local soil texture. This profile creates a crumbly structure that is easy to till and resistant to extreme compaction during wet seasons.
Solid Foundation for Pasture Lands
Organic matter levels reach 3.68%, which is strong compared to the national 2.0% average. The water capacity of 0.183 in/in sits just below the North Dakota average, requiring mindful water management during dry spells.
Mineral Retention and Stable Drainage
While specific hydrologic data is missing, the 20.7% clay content provides enough density to prevent nutrients from leaching too quickly. This balance supports stable building sites and healthy pasture lands across the county.
Productive Gardening in Zone 4a
Mercer County's Zone 4a climate is ideal for rye and cold-season legumes. With a soil score of 63.5, the land offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to start a productive home vegetable patch.
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 Mercer County have?
Mercer County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 37% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mercer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mercer County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Mercer County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mercer County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mercer County's soil?
Based on Mercer County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Mercer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mercer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mercer County
Soil Verdict
Mercer 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
Mercer County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mercer 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.