Steele County Soil Data
Steele County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Steele County, North Dakota
Alkaline Earth in Steele County
Steele County has an average pH of 7.29, making it one of the more alkaline areas in the state. This level is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.
Sandy Loam Characteristics
With 41.6% sand and 39.2% silt, the soil here is light and easy to till. The relatively low 19.2% clay content helps prevent the soil from becoming too compacted.
High Water Holding Capacity
Organic matter reaches 4.15%, which is strong but slightly behind the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a great moisture reservoir.
Predicting Drainage Trends
Official drainage data is not recorded, but the high sand percentage generally points to good drainage. This prevents water from pooling around plant roots after heavy North Dakota storms.
Short Season Success
Gardeners in Zone 4a focus on fast-growing varieties like spinach and beets. The easy-to-work soil makes it simple to prepare beds as soon as the ground thaws.
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 Steele County have?
Steele County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 39% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Steele County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Steele 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 Steele County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Steele County.
What crops or plants grow well in Steele County's soil?
Based on Steele 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 Steele County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Steele County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Steele County
Soil Verdict
Steele 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
Steele County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Steele 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.