Waseca County Soil Data
Waseca County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Waseca County, Minnesota
Elite Soil with Balanced pH
Waseca’s soil is nearly perfect for growth with an average pH of 6.47, resting right at the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity outpaces the state average of 6.21, though local taxonomic data remains unspecified.
A Versatile Medium-Texture Mix
The ground features a balanced mix of 32.7% sand, 36.9% silt, and 22.7% clay. This proportion creates a medium texture that provides excellent structural support and manageable workability for farmers.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is outstanding here, with 11.58% organic matter far exceeding the state average of 9.90%. Available water capacity stands at 0.213 in/in, offering better moisture retention than the state average of 0.199.
High Moisture Retention Potential
While official drainage and hydrologic records are not listed for this area, the high water capacity suggests reliable moisture management. The soil’s composition generally favors consistent hydration for roots throughout the season.
A Gardener's Dream in Zone 5a
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, this county is a powerhouse for corn and soybeans. The soil score of 93.3 is one of the highest in Minnesota, making it an ideal spot to start your garden.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Waseca County have?
Waseca County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 37% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Waseca County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Waseca County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Waseca County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Waseca County.
What crops or plants grow well in Waseca County's soil?
Based on Waseca County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Waseca County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Waseca County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Waseca County
Soil Verdict
Waseca 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
Waseca County is somewhat warmer than the Minnesota statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Waseca 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.