Slope County Soil Data
Slope County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Slope County, North Dakota
Following the State pH Average
Slope County soil averages a pH of 7.11, which aligns closely with the state average of 7.18. This alkaline level is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful crop selection.
Silt-Rich and Nutritious
At 40.5%, silt is the dominant component of Slope County soil, helping to lock in minerals. The 21.8% clay and 37.7% sand create a medium-textured soil that is generally productive.
Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage
Organic matter is lower here at 3.02% compared to the state's 4.69% average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.185 in/in matches the state benchmark for moisture retention.
Stable Hydrologic Potential
Drainage classifications are not currently available for this county. However, the high silt content suggests the soil retains water well, which is vital in this semi-arid region.
Thriving in Zone 4b
With a slightly warmer 4b hardiness zone, Slope County can support a wide range of garden staples like beans and squash. Adding compost will help boost the local organic matter for even better yields.
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 Slope County have?
Slope County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Slope County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Slope County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Slope County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Slope County.
What crops or plants grow well in Slope County's soil?
Based on Slope County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, 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 Slope County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Slope County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Slope County
Soil Verdict
Slope County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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
Slope County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Slope 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.