Traill County Soil Data
Traill County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Traill County, North Dakota
Alkaline Soils in the Red River Valley
Traill County features an alkaline soil profile with a pH of 7.32, which sits notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup is typical for the region and exceeds the North Dakota state average of 7.18. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 59.6 indicates a solid foundation for local agriculture.
Silt-Heavy Mix for Structural Stability
The soil composition is 43.4% silt and 23.6% clay, providing a dense medium that holds together well under pressure. With sand making up 32.9% of the profile, the ground balances moisture retention with enough aeration for root development. This mix creates a sturdy environment for the heavy machinery common in regional farming.
Strong Organic Matter Beyond National Averages
The county boasts an organic matter content of 4.44%, more than doubling the national average of 2.0%. Although it falls slightly below the state average of 4.69%, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in remains competitive. This fertility level ensures that the soil can sustain productive growth throughout the North Dakota summer.
Managing Moisture in Dense Soils
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for this county. However, the high silt and clay percentages suggest a landscape that requires careful water management to prevent saturation. Local land use typically adapts to these moisture-retaining characteristics to maintain high productivity.
Hardy Crops for the 4a Zone
Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, Traill County is ideal for cold-season staples like spring wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets. Gardeners can find great success with potatoes and sunflowers, which thrive in these nutrient-rich, alkaline soils. Start your garden today to take advantage of the high organic content in your backyard.
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
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Traill County have?
Traill County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 43% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Traill County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Traill 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 Traill County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Traill County.
What crops or plants grow well in Traill County's soil?
Based on Traill 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 Traill County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Traill County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Traill County
Soil Verdict
Traill 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
Traill County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Traill 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.