Nelson County Soil Data
Nelson County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nelson County, North Dakota
Strong Alkaline Profile of Nelson
Nelson County soil is more alkaline than most, with a pH of 7.26 compared to the state average of 7.18. This sits significantly above the national median of 6.5, which influences local nutrient management strategies.
Sand-Forward for a Fast Start
The texture consists of 44.1% sand, 34.6% silt, and 19.3% clay. This sand-forward mix allows for excellent drainage and easier spring warming, helping the growing season get off to a fast start.
Exceptional Organic Nutrient Wealth
The county boasts an exceptional 5.77% organic matter, one of the highest in the state. Even with a water capacity of 0.185 in/in, this nutrient-dense soil is built for high agricultural productivity.
Well-Aerated Soils for Infrastructure
Detailed drainage classifications are not provided, but the 44.1% sand content points to a naturally well-aerated soil structure. This prevents roots from drowning during wet spring months and provides a solid base for local infrastructure.
Premier Spot for Backyard Gardens
Zone 4a allows for a variety of hardy crops, from barley to sunflowers. With such high organic content, Nelson County is a premier spot to start a nutrient-dense backyard vegetable garden.
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 Nelson County have?
Nelson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 35% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Nelson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nelson County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Nelson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nelson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nelson County's soil?
Based on Nelson County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, 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 Nelson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nelson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nelson County
Soil Verdict
Nelson 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
Nelson County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nelson 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.