Eau Claire County Soil Data

Eau Claire County, Wisconsin

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

10.0%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin

Typical Wisconsin Acidity in Eau Claire

The soil in Eau Claire County carries a pH of 5.64, almost identical to the state average. This is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the region's natural forest and prairie history.

Balanced Sands for Easy Workability

The mix is nearly half sand at 49.1%, paired with 29.8% silt for a texture that resists heavy clumping. With clay at only 9.4%, gardeners will find the soil easy to dig even after heavy rains.

Rich Biological Matter Outpaces the Nation

At 10.01%, the organic matter content is five times the national average and very close to the state's 11.02% benchmark. This richness helps sustain plants despite an available water capacity that sits at 0.185, below the state mean.

Fast-Draining Soils Require Moisture Management

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high sand and low clay percentages indicate a fast-draining profile. This makes the county well-suited for building and construction, though farmers may need to monitor soil moisture closely.

Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 4b

The Zone 4b climate supports a variety of berries and hardy perennials that enjoy well-aerated soil. A soil score of 65.8 indicates your backyard has the fundamental nutrients needed to start a successful growing season.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 49.1%
Silt: 29.8%
Clay: 9.4%
Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.63617633909184
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 Eau Claire County have?

Eau Claire County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 30% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Eau Claire County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Eau Claire County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Eau Claire County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Eau Claire County.

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

Based on Eau Claire County's Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Eau Claire County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Eau Claire 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.