Morton County Soil Data
Morton County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Morton County, North Dakota
Morton's Balanced Chemical Profile
Morton County soil averages a pH of 6.96, providing a more neutral growing environment than the typical North Dakota field. This balance is closer to the national 6.5 median than the state's 7.18 average.
The Classic Loamy Compromise
The soil makeup is 41.1% sand, 37.9% silt, and 21.0% clay. This classic loamy mix offers an ideal compromise between rapid drainage and the retention of essential plant nutrients.
High Organic Matter and Capacity
High organic matter of 4.57% nearly matches the state average and dwarfs the national 2.0% benchmark. A water capacity of 0.188 in/in beats the state average, giving plants a better chance during dry periods.
Breathable Soils for Large Farms
Regional data does not name a dominant drainage class, but the 41.1% sand ratio ensures the soil stays breathable. These physical properties make the land versatile for both large-scale farming and residential gardening.
A Top Choice for Vegetables
Zone 4a temperatures favor hardy grains and root vegetables like carrots and beets. The county's high soil score of 67.8 makes it one of the more productive regions for aspiring local growers.
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 Morton County have?
Morton 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 Morton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morton 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 Morton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Morton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Morton County's soil?
Based on Morton 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 Morton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Morton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Morton County
Soil Verdict
Morton 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
Morton County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Morton 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.