Crawford County Soil Data
Crawford County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crawford County, Wisconsin
Neutral and Silt-Rich Driftless Soils
Crawford County boasts a relatively high pH of 6.18, nearing the national median of 6.5 and exceeding the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic orders aren't recorded here, the soil's chemistry is more welcoming to sensitive crops than much of the state. This provides a versatile foundation for the county's varied topography.
The Power of Silt in the Soil
Silt dominates the profile at 49.6%, supported by 36.0% sand and 14.0% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and floury, offering excellent nutrient-holding capacity. However, silt-heavy soils can be prone to erosion, especially on the steep slopes common to this region.
Efficient Water Storage with Lean Matter
The soil contains 2.66% organic matter, which is above the national average of 2.0% but quite low compared to Wisconsin's 11.02% average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in remains competitive with state levels. This means the soil is efficient at delivering water to plants even with less organic bulk.
Natural Water Management
With a silt-heavy composition, the county generally manages water through steady absorption and moderate drainage. Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 14.0% clay content helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. These traits support the county's productive pastures and hillside orchards.
Orchards and Gardens in Zone 5a
Zone 5a's climate combined with silt-rich soil is perfect for growing apples, grapes, and hardy perennials. The moderate pH means you can grow most vegetables without heavy liming. Grab some seeds and take advantage of Crawford's unique driftless landscape to start your own food plot.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Crawford County have?
Crawford County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 50% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crawford County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Crawford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Crawford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Crawford County's soil?
Based on Crawford County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Crawford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crawford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crawford 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.