Eau Claire County Soil Data
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Eau Claire County
Soil Verdict
Eau Claire 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
Eau Claire County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Eau Claire 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.