Sandy and Silty Soil
Try saying that 3 times fast! This soil comes in 2 types. First it is rough and full of sand. It lets water drain through super fast, so it dries out quick and can be tough for growing crops unless you add stuff to it. The second kind is a silty/sandy mix. This blend of sand and fine silt is dropped by rivers dropped over time. It can be good for growing but sometimes floods. These 2 kinds are mostly found in the western and central parts of the county along the river valleys and along the Sunrise River.
Mixed Soil with Rich, Dark Dirt
This is a nice blend – some sand for drainage, clay to hold moisture, and soft silt. It feels smooth and crumbly, holds water well, and makes excellent farmland for corn and beans. It might have a few small rocks mixed in. You’ll mostly find this in the southeast corner near the St. Croix River and towns like Shafer, as well as some higher ground around Rush City. This is good dirt for farms!
Wet, marshy, or mucky soil (dark, squishy, and full of old plants)
This is black and spongy like peat moss or swamp muck. It stays wet a lot, smells earthy, and is made from decayed plants. It’s often too soggy for building or heavy crops. This soil is common in low spots, depressions, and around wetlands and lakes, especially the Chisago Lakes area, plus scattered marshes all over the county.