Williams County Soil Data
Williams County, North Dakota
Avg pH
7.2
Texture
Extremely gravelly sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Williams County, North Dakota
Neutral Soils in the Western Plains
Williams County features an average pH of 7.16, making it the most neutral soil among its neighbors and very close to the state average of 7.18. While still higher than the national 6.5 median, this profile provides an excellent chemical environment for nutrient uptake. This near-neutrality is a key advantage for western North Dakota farmers.
Extremely Gravelly Sand Foundations
The dominant texture here is extremely gravelly sand, containing 42.2% sand and just 21.1% clay. This coarse composition means the soil is very light and allows for rapid water movement through the ground. While it requires more frequent monitoring for moisture, it is very easy to work with hand tools or light machinery.
Productive Soils with Lower Water Storage
The organic matter content sits at 3.74%, which is lower than the state average but still nearly double the national 2.0% average. Because of its sandy nature, the available water capacity is 0.181 in/in, the lowest in this group. Growers here prioritize drought-resistant varieties to maximize the potential of this unique soil.
Excessively Drained for Fast Runoff
The soil is classified as excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very quickly. This prevents the ground from becoming waterlogged but can lead to dry conditions faster than in other counties. These drainage characteristics are excellent for construction and infrastructure, as the soil rarely holds excess moisture.
Gardening in the High Plains
In Zone 4a, the fast-draining sandy soil is perfect for drought-tolerant native plants and hardy grains. Gardeners should consider using mulch or raised beds to help retain moisture in the 3.74% organic matter soil. It is a fantastic place to grow berries and other perennials that prefer well-aerated ground.
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
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Extremely gravelly sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Williams County have?
Williams County's soil is classified as Extremely gravelly sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 36% silt, and 21% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Williams County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Williams 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 Williams County?
Williams County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Williams County's soil?
Based on Williams County's Extremely gravelly sand texture, pH of 7.2, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Williams County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Williams County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Williams 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.