Ward County Soil Data
Ward County, North Dakota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Ward County, North Dakota
High-Performing Soils of North-Central ND
Ward County features a soil score of 64.8, outperforming the state average of 63.2. The soil is moderately alkaline with a pH of 7.22, which is higher than the national 6.5 median but typical for North Dakota. This chemical balance is ideal for the various grains and oilseeds that define the local economy.
Sand-Forward Texture for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 40.8% sand and 36.5% silt, creating a lighter texture compared to many eastern neighbors. With clay at 21.6%, the ground provides enough density to hold nutrients while remaining easy to till. This composition allows for excellent root penetration and efficient water movement through the soil profile.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
Ward County boasts an impressive 5.03% organic matter content, which is significantly higher than both the state average of 4.69% and the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is also high at 0.189 in/in. These numbers translate to a highly fertile landscape with exceptional drought resistance.
Efficient Water Management Potential
While standardized drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for the county, the high sand content suggests efficient natural drainage. The high soil score of 64.8 further implies that the land manages moisture and nutrients effectively for agriculture. These physical traits support the county's reputation as a productive farming hub.
Abundant Growth in Ward County
In Hardiness Zone 4a, the rich 5.03% organic matter supports heavy feeders like corn, squash, and sunflowers. The lighter soil texture also makes it easy to maintain flower beds and productive home vegetable gardens. Your backyard is primed for high-yield gardening with very little soil amendment needed.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Ward County have?
Ward County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 37% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ward County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ward County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Ward County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ward County.
What crops or plants grow well in Ward County's soil?
Based on Ward County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Ward County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ward County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ward 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.