Waldo County Soil Data
Waldo County, Maine
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
3.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
35.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Waldo County, Maine
Waldo's Highly Acidic Soil
Waldo County reports an average pH of 3.81, which is even more acidic than the Maine state average of 3.88. This sits far below the national median of 6.5, making soil amendments a common necessity for most garden plants.
A Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 25.8% sand and 24.8% silt, with a very low 5.5% clay content. This composition typically allows for decent drainage while maintaining enough physical structure to support healthy plant roots.
Superior Water and Carbon Retention
Organic matter is an impressive 35.40%, vastly higher than the 2.0% national average. The county's water capacity of 0.249 in/in is better than the state benchmark of 0.242, ensuring crops stay hydrated longer.
Permeability and Site Drainage
Specific drainage class data is missing, but the high sand and silt content often indicates moderate permeability. You should verify your specific plot's drainage before installing permanent garden beds or building structures.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a
Waldo falls in Zone 5a, a climate that pairs well with cold-hardy crops and northern-adapted fruit trees. With a soil score of 65.7, you have a solid foundation for a productive homestead.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 3.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Waldo County have?
Waldo County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 25% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Waldo County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Waldo County's soil has a low pH of 3.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Waldo County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Waldo County.
What crops or plants grow well in Waldo County's soil?
Based on Waldo County's Loam texture, pH of 3.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Waldo County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Waldo County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Waldo County
Soil Verdict
Waldo County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Waldo County closely matches the Maine average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Waldo County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Maine
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.