Buffalo County Soil Data
Buffalo County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Balanced Soil Along the River
Buffalo County has an average pH of 5.89, which is slightly more neutral than the state average of 5.63. While it remains below the national median of 6.5, it provides a flexible base for many regional crops.
Loamy Sand and Silt Mix
The soil is a fairly even split between sand (42.6%) and silt (41.3%), with 12.0% clay. This creates a loamy texture that offers a great balance of drainage and workability.
Leaner Organic Profiles
Organic matter sits at 4.49%, which is lower than the state average of 11.02% but still healthy by national standards. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in is slightly below the state average, requiring attentive watering.
Responsive Local Hydrology
With no dominant drainage class recorded, the balanced sand and silt levels suggest the soil is naturally responsive to rain. Farmers here typically benefit from soil that doesn't stay saturated for too long.
Great Garden Potential in 4b
Hardiness Zone 4b is perfect for a classic midwestern vegetable garden. Given the lower organic matter, adding compost will help you get the most out of Buffalo County's loamy ground.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Buffalo County have?
Buffalo County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 41% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Buffalo County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Buffalo County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Buffalo County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Buffalo County.
What crops or plants grow well in Buffalo County's soil?
Based on Buffalo County's Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Buffalo County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Buffalo County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Buffalo County
Soil Verdict
Buffalo 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
Buffalo County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Buffalo 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.