Quick, what is Montana’s State Soil? Do You Know?

• Montana really does have a state soil that was designated by the legislature in 2015
• The original idea was from a group of 4th grade students in Bozeman, Montana
• The soil is a very deep, well-drained soil developed from glacial till from parts of central and northeastern areas of the state

Quick, what is Montana's State Soil?  Do You Know?

It was 10 years ago that 4th grade students in Bozeman, Montana from the Longfellow School made their way to Helena, Montana for the legislative meeting in 2015.

via GIPHY

They would be testifying about Senate Bill 176.  That bill and those voices heralding it would bring about a new state symbol.

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You Have Heard of the Town in Montana, Now Meet the Soil

Montana is home to many a "state" thing, just as other states have theirs.  Bird, flower, and many more.  But since 2015 Montana has also had a state soil.  The soil is called "Scobey Soil", named for the town of the same name in the northeastern part of the state.

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But it isn't the only location.  The "Golden Triangle", with the points of the triangle being the cities of Havre, Conrad, and Great Falls are also major areas that the soil is located.  According to Montana State University, the soil:

consists of very deep, well drained soils on till plains, hills, and moraines in the north-central part of Montana.  These soils occur on more than 700,000 acres.  They are among the most productive soils in Montana's Golden Triangle, an area known for its ideal climatic conditions for growing wheat of exceptionally high quality.

The Importance of Scobey Soil in Montana and Beyond

The Soil Science Society of America states that the Scobey Soil is part of the " the largest remaining prairie in the northern Great Plains" and helps keep our native grasslands healthy and strong.

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While playing a huge part in the agricultural part of Montana, it also is home to a variety of native animals.  Those include the black-tailed prairie dog, swift fox, burrowing owl, pronghorn antelope, and endangered black-footed ferret.