Oliver County Soil Data
Oliver County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Oliver County, North Dakota
Neutral to Alkaline Soils in Oliver
Oliver County features a neutral to alkaline pH of 6.99, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not formally recorded here, the soil provides a stable chemical base for regional crops. This pH level supports nutrient availability for most local prairie grasses and grains.
A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt
The soil composition is a balanced mix of 39.0% sand and 40.3% silt. With 20.6% clay, the earth maintains enough structure to prevent erosion without becoming impossible to till. This combination offers a reliable foundation for root development in both fields and gardens.
Moderate Fertility and Reliable Moisture
Organic matter sits at 3.62%, which falls below the North Dakota average of 4.69% but remains above the national average. The available water capacity matches the state average at 0.186 in/in. These figures indicate a consistent ability to sustain plant life through typical dry spells.
Predictable Water Movement for Farming
While dominant drainage classes are not specified in current datasets, the balanced texture suggests moderate infiltration rates. Farmers and builders should monitor local saturation levels, as the mix of sand and silt generally allows for steady water movement. Site-specific testing is recommended for significant construction or irrigation projects.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4a
The USDA Hardiness Zone 4a climate pairs with a soil score of 64.5 to support robust wheat and flax production. Home gardeners can find success with cold-weather favorites like radishes, carrots, and hardy perennials. Start your garden today to take advantage of this solid agricultural foundation.
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 Oliver County have?
Oliver County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 40% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Oliver County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Oliver 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 Oliver County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Oliver County.
What crops or plants grow well in Oliver County's soil?
Based on Oliver 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 Oliver County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Oliver County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Oliver County
Soil Verdict
Oliver 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
Oliver County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Oliver 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.