Stark County Soil Data
Stark County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stark County, North Dakota
Neutral Soils in Stark County
Stark County boasts a perfectly neutral pH of 7.00. This is an ideal balance for gardening, sitting right between the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.18.
Sturdy Composition for Growth
The soil contains 40.6% silt and 23.1% clay, giving it the highest clay content among its neighbors. This structure offers excellent nutrient storage and physical stability for plant roots.
Above Average Fertility Levels
Stark County excels with 4.93% organic matter, surpassing the state average of 4.69%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.191 in/in, this soil is exceptionally productive.
Superior Moisture Management
Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the high water capacity suggests the soil handles drought periods better than most. The clay and silt levels provide a buffer against rapid moisture loss.
A Gardeners Paradise in 4b
The 4b hardiness zone and neutral soil make Stark County great for everything from tomatoes to sunflowers. It is a perfect place to start a high-yield backyard 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 Stark County have?
Stark County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 41% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stark County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stark County's soil has a pH of 7.0, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Stark County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stark County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stark County's soil?
Based on Stark County's Loam texture, pH of 7.0, 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 Stark County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stark County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stark County
Soil Verdict
Stark 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
Stark 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 Stark 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.