Clark County Soil Data

Clark County, Wisconsin

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

16.3%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Clark County, Wisconsin

Deeply Acidic and Nutrient-Rich Earth

Clark County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.24, falling well below both the state average and the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a soil score of 69.4, outperforming the state average of 68.2. This indicates a high-potential landscape that simply needs careful pH management.

Silt-Heavy and Light on Clay

The soil profile consists of 37.9% sand and 32.8% silt, with a very low clay content of 8.5%. This lack of clay makes the soil easy to till and prevents the heavy compaction often found in southern counties. However, the high sand ratio means water may move through the profile quickly.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

With a massive 16.26% organic matter content, Clark County exceeds both the state average of 11.02% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.210 in/in also beats the state benchmark. This creates a fertile environment that naturally supports robust plant growth and moisture retention.

Managing High Moisture Retention

The high available water capacity suggests that while drainage data is limited, the soil holds onto moisture effectively. This trait is a boon for agriculture during late summer heat but can lead to soggy conditions in the spring. Proper site grading is essential for any building projects in these organic-rich soils.

Thriving in the Heart of Zone 4b

Zone 4b gardeners can leverage this high organic matter to grow heavy-feeding crops like pumpkins and squash. The acidic nature of the soil is also ideal for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs. This is a prime location to build a productive home garden or a thriving orchard.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 37.9%
Silt: 32.8%
Clay: 8.5%
Loam

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.23879134705977
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clark County have?

Clark County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 33% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clark County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clark County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Clark County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Clark County.

What crops or plants grow well in Clark County's soil?

Based on Clark County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Clark County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Clark County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.