Pembina County Soil Data
Pembina County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pembina County, North Dakota
Alkaline Earth in the Red River Valley
Pembina County soils average a pH of 7.24, making them notably more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. This chemical profile is typical for the region and influences which micronutrients are most available to plants. Local growers often manage these levels to optimize yields for specific crops.
Silty Soils with Clay Strength
The soil contains 38.4% silt and 35.5% sand, providing a versatile texture for intensive farming. The 22.8% clay content is higher than many neighboring counties, which helps the soil retain nutrients but can make it heavier to work when wet. This mix is ideal for the high-production agriculture the area is known for.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
This county boasts a very high organic matter content of 7.24%, far exceeding the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is also above the state benchmark, signaling superior growing potential. These numbers reflect some of the most fertile ground in the state.
Moisture Retention in Heavy Soils
Formal drainage classes are not listed, but high clay and organic levels suggest the soil holds onto moisture effectively. This can be a benefit during droughts but may lead to slow spring warming in the fields. Proper surface drainage is often a priority for Pembina County land managers.
Productive Gardening in Zone 4a
With a high soil score of 68.8, this area is a powerhouse for sugar beets and potatoes. Zone 4a allows for a productive season of sunflowers and hardy vegetables. It is a perfect environment for residents to establish a high-yield home 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 Pembina County have?
Pembina County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 38% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pembina County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pembina County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Pembina County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pembina County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pembina County's soil?
Based on Pembina County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Pembina County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pembina County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pembina County
Soil Verdict
Pembina 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
Pembina County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pembina 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.