Towner County Soil Data
Towner County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Towner County, North Dakota
High Alkalinity in the North
Towner County soil has an average pH of 7.29, placing it above the state average of 7.18. This alkaline environment is much higher than the 6.5 national median.
Balanced Loamy Composition
The soil features 39.9% sand and 38.3% silt, with 21.8% clay. This balance creates a soil that is both easy to cultivate and capable of holding onto nutrients.
Strong Moisture Storage Potential
Organic matter is healthy at 4.15%, though it trails the state average. The soil shines in available water capacity at 0.190 in/in, which is higher than the North Dakota average.
Managing Heavier Soils
No specific drainage class is recorded, but the 21.8% clay content indicates the soil can hold moisture for long periods. This is beneficial for dry summers but requires attention during wet springs.
Hardy Growing in Zone 3b
Towner County is in the cold 3b hardiness zone, requiring the hardiest perennials and short-season crops. Use the high water capacity to your advantage by planting moisture-loving varieties like onions.
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 Towner County have?
Towner County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 38% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Towner County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Towner 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 Towner County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Towner County.
What crops or plants grow well in Towner County's soil?
Based on Towner 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 Towner County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Towner County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Towner County
Soil Verdict
Towner County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°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
Towner County is somewhat cooler than the North Dakota statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Towner 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.