Sargent County Soil Data
Sargent County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sargent County, North Dakota
Alkaline Soils in Sargent County
Sargent County soil has an average pH of 7.27, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level is also slightly higher than the North Dakota state average of 7.18.
Balanced Texture for Reliable Workability
The soil mix contains 39.5% sand, 38.9% silt, and 21.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that balances drainage with nutrient retention.
Consistent Moisture and Organic Matter
Organic matter stands at 4.29%, which is slightly below the state average of 4.69% but remains more than double the national average. Available water capacity of 0.183 in/in keeps crops hydrated throughout the growing season.
Managing Water Retention
While specific drainage classification data is limited for this region, the high silt and clay content suggests moderate water retention. Local growers monitor these levels to prevent oversaturation during heavy spring rains.
Success in Zone 4a
Sargent County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, where cool-weather crops like peas and radishes thrive. The balanced soil composition encourages a productive backyard garden for any local resident.
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 Sargent County have?
Sargent County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 39% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sargent County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sargent 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 Sargent County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sargent County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sargent County's soil?
Based on Sargent 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 Sargent County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sargent County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sargent County
Soil Verdict
Sargent 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
Sargent County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sargent 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.