Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grant County, Wisconsin
Prime Agricultural pH in Grant County
The soil pH of 6.25 is one of the highest in the state and sits very close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity allows for a vast range of plant nutrients to remain available for crops.
Silt-Dominant Texture for Strong Roots
Silt makes up 52.0% of the soil, providing a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients and water much better than sandier counties. With 17.4% clay, the soil has the necessary body to support large plant structures.
Stable Moisture for Summer Growth
Available water capacity is 0.197, which closely tracks the state average of 0.204. While the organic matter of 2.99% is lower than the state mean, it remains comfortably above the national 2.0% average.
Reliable Water Retention for Farming
Formal drainage classes are not listed, but the high silt content suggests the soil retains moisture effectively. This trait is a major asset for the county's farmers, helping crops withstand dry spells in the southwestern heat.
A Zone 5a Gardener's Delight
With a high soil score of 71.2, Grant County is an ideal place to grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. The combination of favorable pH and silty texture makes for a very forgiving and productive garden.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grant County have?
Grant County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 52% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grant County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Grant County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grant County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?
Based on Grant County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Grant County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grant County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Grant County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.