Adams County Soil Data
Adams County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Adams County, Wisconsin
The Acidic Soils of Adams County
Adams County soil shows an average pH of 5.36, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the low pH dictates which crops can thrive here.
A Sandy, Easy-to-Work Mix
This soil is dominated by 58.4% sand, paired with 15.7% silt and 7.3% clay. This high sand content ensures high workability but means the soil likely loses nutrients and water faster than heavier clays.
Moderate Fertility and Water Access
Organic matter stands at 10.73%, slightly below the state average of 11.02% but well above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.148 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.204, suggesting a need for more frequent irrigation.
Managing Rapid Local Drainage
While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand percentage generally points toward rapid drainage. Gardeners should plan for a soil that dries out quickly between rains.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4b
The local climate in Zone 4b supports hardy vegetables and native prairie plants. With the right acidity management, this sandy ground is a perfect place to start a specialized fruit or vegetable 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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Adams County have?
Adams County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 16% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Adams County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Adams County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Adams County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Adams County.
What crops or plants grow well in Adams County's soil?
Based on Adams County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Adams County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Adams County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Adams County
Soil Verdict
Adams 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
Adams County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin 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 Adams County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Wisconsin
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.