Stutsman County Soil Data
Stutsman County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Stutsman County, North Dakota
Stutsman County’s Alkaline Profile
The average soil pH in Stutsman County is 7.25, which is typical for the North Dakota plains. This is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, but close to the state average of 7.18.
Sand-Dominant Soil Structure
The soil contains 42.9% sand, 35.2% silt, and 20.7% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration, which is vital for healthy root respiration.
Exceptional Organic Richness
Stutsman County leads with an organic matter content of 5.04%, well above the state average of 4.69%. This high fertility supports robust crop growth and healthy garden ecosystems.
Efficient Water Handling
While drainage class data is unavailable, the high organic matter and sand content suggest the soil handles water effectively. It absorbs moisture well while allowing excess to drain away.
Flourishing in Zone 4a
The rich soil in Zone 4a is perfect for growing large brassicas like cabbage and broccoli. Start your seeds early to make the most of this fertile, high-organic-matter earth.
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 Stutsman County have?
Stutsman County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 35% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stutsman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stutsman 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 Stutsman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Stutsman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Stutsman County's soil?
Based on Stutsman 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 Stutsman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Stutsman County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stutsman County
Soil Verdict
Stutsman 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
Stutsman 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 Stutsman 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.