Mountrail County Soil Data
Mountrail County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mountrail County, North Dakota
Typical Northern Plains pH Levels
Mountrail County shows a pH of 7.10, which is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This level is typical for the region and sits just under the North Dakota state average of 7.18.
Superior Structural Strength
The ground is composed of 38.7% sand, 38.9% silt, and 22.4% clay. With the highest clay percentage in this group, the soil offers superior structural strength and mineral storage capacity.
Excellent Moisture Reserves
Organic matter is solid at 3.95%, well above the national 2.0% standard. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in exceeds the state average, providing excellent moisture reserves for the long growing season.
Moisture Retention During Dry Spells
Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 22.4% clay content suggests higher water retention. This can be a significant advantage during the windy, dry periods common to the North Dakota plains.
Success with Canola and Wheat
The Zone 4a climate supports robust crops of canola and spring wheat. Homeowners can take advantage of the high water capacity to maintain lush, productive gardens through the summer heat.
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 Mountrail County have?
Mountrail County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 39% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mountrail County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mountrail 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 Mountrail County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mountrail County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mountrail County's soil?
Based on Mountrail 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 Mountrail County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mountrail County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mountrail County
Soil Verdict
Mountrail 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
Mountrail County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mountrail 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.