Pierce County Soil Data
Pierce County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pierce County, North Dakota
Alkaline and Sandy Characteristics
Pierce County has a pH of 7.25, placing it well above the national median of 6.5. Although taxonomic data is not formally categorized here, the alkalinity is a defining trait for local land management. This profile requires specific plant selections that can thrive in non-acidic conditions.
Light and Easy-to-Work Soils
The soil is relatively light, composed of 49.1% sand and 34.0% silt. With only 16.9% clay, these fields are easy to till and warm up quickly in the spring sun. This high sand content provides excellent aeration for developing root systems.
Lower Water Capacity but Good Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at 3.97%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 4.69% average. The available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, trailing the state average and suggesting a need for more frequent irrigation. Growers should focus on building soil health to improve moisture retention.
Fast Drainage for Sandy Fields
While specific hydrologic groups are not provided, the high sand percentage typically leads to rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but means nutrients can wash away more easily than in clay-heavy soils. Gardeners should consider using compost to help hold water near the surface.
Short Season Success in Zone 3b
The 3b hardiness zone necessitates fast-maturing crops like short-season corn or cold-tolerant leafy greens. Despite a modest soil score of 57.6, the workable texture makes it an inviting place for a summer garden. Planting in raised beds can help capitalize on the soil's quick-warming nature.
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 Pierce County have?
Pierce County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 34% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pierce County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pierce 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 Pierce County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pierce County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pierce County's soil?
Based on Pierce 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 Pierce County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pierce County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pierce County
Soil Verdict
Pierce County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°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
Pierce County is somewhat cooler than the North Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pierce 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.