Sheridan County Soil Data
Sheridan County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sheridan County, North Dakota
Tracking Alkaline Trends in Sheridan
Sheridan County soils maintain an average pH of 7.23, staying above the national target of 6.5. This alkaline profile is standard for the region and mirrors the broader North Dakota average of 7.18.
Sand-Heavy Mix for Fast Drainage
With 44.9% sand and only 19.8% clay, this soil warms up quickly in the spring. The high sand content makes the earth easier to work but requires more frequent watering during dry spells.
Healthy Organic Matter Levels
The soil contains 3.86% organic matter, which is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still quite healthy. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in provides a solid foundation for local agriculture.
Natural Drainage Efficiency
Specific drainage class data is not currently recorded, but the 44.9% sand content typically indicates rapid permeability. This natural drainage helps prevent root rot in sensitive garden plants.
Growing Cold-Hardy Staples
In USDA Zone 4a, Sheridan County gardeners focus on hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The light soil texture is ideal for root development in a home 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 Sheridan County have?
Sheridan County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 35% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sheridan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sheridan 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 Sheridan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sheridan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sheridan County's soil?
Based on Sheridan 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 Sheridan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sheridan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sheridan County
Soil Verdict
Sheridan 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
Sheridan 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 Sheridan 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.