Wabasha County Soil Data
Wabasha County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wabasha County, Minnesota
Neutral Loams in Driftless Country
Wabasha County features an average pH of 6.42, which is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it a versatile environment for a wide variety of plant species without needing significant adjustment.
High Silt Content for Silky Soils
The soil is dominated by 52.2% silt, combined with 30.7% sand and 16.9% clay. This 'silky' texture offers great fertility and moisture retention, though it can be prone to erosion on the county's famous bluffs.
Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage
At 2.62%, the organic matter is much lower than the Minnesota average of 9.90% but still stays above the national average. Fortunately, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is very strong, keeping plants hydrated.
Excellent Water Retention
Detailed drainage classes are not provided, but the high silt percentage suggests a soil that absorbs water efficiently. In the hilly terrain of Wabasha County, managing runoff is key to protecting these productive silty layers.
Thriving in the 4b Hardiness Zone
A soil score of 73.1 puts Wabasha right at the state average for quality. This is an ideal environment for orchards and diverse vegetable gardens that appreciate the consistent moisture and neutral pH.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wabasha County have?
Wabasha County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 52% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wabasha County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wabasha County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Wabasha County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wabasha County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wabasha County's soil?
Based on Wabasha County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Wabasha County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wabasha County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wabasha County
Soil Verdict
Wabasha County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Wabasha County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wabasha County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Minnesota
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.