Winona County Soil Data
Winona County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Winona County, Minnesota
Balanced pH in the Valley
Winona’s soil is exceptionally balanced, posting a pH of 6.47 which is almost identical to the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly less acidic than the state average of 6.21, providing a neutral home for many plants.
High Silt, Smooth Texture
Silt dominates the landscape at 54.1%, paired with 28.1% sand and 17.8% clay. This high-silt profile creates a smooth texture that is highly fertile but prone to erosion on slopes.
Superb Water Retention
Organic matter is low for Minnesota at 3.37%, though it stays above the national 2.0% average. However, the available water capacity is impressive at 0.204 in/in, beating the state average of 0.199.
Efficient Water Storage
Drainage and hydrologic data are currently unclassified for the county. The high silt content and water capacity suggest the ground stays moist longer than the sandier soils found elsewhere in the state.
Valley Gardening in Zone 4b
Situated in Zone 4b, this region is famous for its productive river valley agriculture. A soil score of 80.9 indicates high potential, so grab a trowel and start planting your favorite perennials.
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 Winona County have?
Winona County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 54% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Winona County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Winona 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 Winona County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Winona County.
What crops or plants grow well in Winona County's soil?
Based on Winona County's Silt 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 Winona County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Winona County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Winona County
Soil Verdict
Winona 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
Winona County closely matches the Minnesota average hardiness conditions. 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 Winona 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.