Ransom County Soil Data
Ransom County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ransom County, North Dakota
Consistent Alkaline Profiles in Ransom
Ransom County soil carries an average pH of 7.30, exceeding the national median of 6.5. This alkalinity is typical for the region's agricultural heartland. It provides a mineral-heavy environment that supports the local prairie ecosystem and commercial crops.
Sandy Loam Characteristics for Easy Working
The soil contains a significant 43.7% sand and 36.1% silt, creating a texture that is generally easy to cultivate. With 19.6% clay, it maintains a good balance of aeration and nutrient-holding capacity. This mix is well-suited for diverse agricultural applications across the county.
Reliable Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter levels reach 4.59%, closely aligning with the North Dakota average of 4.69%. The available water capacity is exactly at the state average of 0.186 in/in. These metrics indicate a dependable and productive soil for standard regional farming.
Steady Infiltration for Healthy Roots
While formal drainage data is not available, the higher sand percentage usually ensures steady water infiltration. This prevents the soil from becoming easily compacted, which is beneficial for root health. Gardeners should still monitor moisture levels during the peak of summer heat.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4a
With a soil score of 61.2, this county is ideal for growing corn and soybeans. The 4a hardiness zone also supports a variety of hardy ornamental flowers and vegetable staples like beans and squash. It is a great time to dig in and start your own local plot.
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 Ransom County have?
Ransom County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 36% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ransom County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ransom 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 Ransom County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ransom County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ransom County's soil?
Based on Ransom 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 Ransom County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ransom County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Ransom County
Soil Verdict
Ransom 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
Ransom County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ransom 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.