Richland County Soil Data
Richland County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Richland County, North Dakota
Alkaline Strengths in Richland
Richland County has an average pH of 7.30, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup supports the nutrient needs of most regional cereal crops and grasses. Understanding this pH is key to selecting the right fertilizers for local land.
Heavy Silty Soils for Better Retention
The soil is composed of 39.3% silt and 37.9% sand, creating a dense and productive base. The 22.4% clay content is relatively high, which helps the soil hold onto minerals and moisture. This texture provides great structural support for tall crops like corn.
Standard Fertility and Lower Water Capacity
Organic matter levels are healthy at 4.72%, which is just above the North Dakota state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.186. This suggests that while the soil is fertile, it may dry out faster than average during a heatwave.
Managing Water in Clay-Heavy Mixes
Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the significant clay and silt fractions can lead to slower water movement. Proper field management is important to prevent surface ponding after heavy rains. Local gardeners should ensure their plots have good drainage to keep roots healthy.
Farming the Red River Valley Edge
With a soil score of 59.1, Richland County is a major producer of corn and soybeans in hardiness zone 4a. Homeowners can successfully grow everything from pumpkins to peonies in this environment. The consistent organic matter provides a great start for any backyard project.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Richland County have?
Richland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 39% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Richland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Richland 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 Richland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Richland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Richland County's soil?
Based on Richland 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 Richland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Richland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Richland County
Soil Verdict
Richland 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
Richland County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Richland 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.