Alaska: Plant Hardiness Zones, Climate & Soil Conditions

Our experienced writers spend hours deep researching, considering both scientific and experimental info to bring the insights you can trust.  

Agriculture in the state of Alaska is unique and diverse. The state’s climate and geography allow for a wide variety of crops and livestock to be raised.

Agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy, providing jobs for many Alaskans.

The state’s cool, moist climate is ideal for raising berries, apples, potatoes, melons, dry beans, and grain. The long days of summer provide ample sunlight for these crops to grow.

Farmers in Alaska also raise hay and grain for livestock feed. Livestock farming is also an important part of agriculture in Alaska.

Fishing is another major part of Alaska’s agricultural industry.

Salmon, halibut, cod, and other fish are caught in the state’s waters and sold fresh or frozen to markets around the world.

Plant Hardiness Zones for Alaska

Now, it’s time to take a look at the US Plant Hardiness Zone Map of the state.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map For Alaska

Climate

Alaskan mean annual temperatures range from the low 40s in the south to 10° F along the arctic slope north of the Brooks Mountain Range.

In winter, the minimum temperature drops down to -20˚ to -30˚F.

Precipitation

The annual average rainfall amounts to over 200 inches in the southeastern part to around 150 inches along the northern coast of the Gulf of Alaska.

Amounts decrease to near 60 inches on the southern side of the Alaska Range in the Alaskan Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands sections.

Soil Type

Now, let us see the soil distribution in the state.

Land Resource Map For Alaska

Now, let us understand this with the help of a table

Soil Order Of Alaska

Soil TypeLocationCharacterstics
EntisolsOn flood plains and outwash plains, on uplands adjacent to major rivers, in other young material such as recently exposed glacial moraines and very cold or very steep areas.1. Wet mineral soils.
2. Have no diagnostic horizons other than an ochric epipedon
HistosolsSouthern Alaska1. Made up of organic material.
InceptisolsFound everywhere except southeastern Alaska, the south-central Alaska mountains, and the Cook Inlet-Susitna1. Have an umbric and mollic epipedon with a cambic horizon
2. Poorly drained soils with permanent frost
MollisolsMostly in Tundra areas but a few occur on calcareous or nonacid material in forested regions1. Have a mollic epipedon with no underlying horizon dominated by ashy material.
2. Base saturation more than 50%.
3. Have a wide range in drainage conditions and texture.
SpodosolsCommon in forested areas of southeastern Alaska, south-central Alaska mountains, Cook Inlet-Susitna Lowland, and Kuskokwim Highlands1. Have a surface mat of organic matter
2. The amounts of organic carbon, aluminum, and iron are accumulated in the spodic horizon

Best Fruits / Veggies to Grow in the State

Looking for Plant Hardiness, Climate & Soil Conditions for other US States? Check out our guides for other states here>