Lafayette County Soil Data
Lafayette County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Slightly Acidic Soils in the Southwest
Lafayette County features a pH of 6.18, which is more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63 but remains below the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic data is currently unmapped, the chemical profile is well-suited for traditional agriculture.
Silt-Heavy Mix for Easy Working
A high silt content of 55.6% dominates the soil, balanced by 23.2% sand and 18.6% clay. This mixture provides excellent workability and enough clay to hold essential nutrients for row crops.
Solid Water Storage for Crops
Organic matter sits at 3.16%, which is lower than the Wisconsin average of 11.02% but still beats the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.206 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, ensuring steady hydration for plantings.
Reliable Moisture Management
While specific drainage classes are not listed for this area, the high silt levels typically suggest moderate drainage and significant moisture retention. This profile supports resilient farming even during dry summer spells.
Productive Gardening in Zone 5a
The county's soil score of 73.9 ranks well above the state average of 68.2. Gardeners in Zone 5a can successfully grow hearty root vegetables and corn in this nutrient-rich environment.
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
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lafayette County have?
Lafayette County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 56% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lafayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lafayette 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 Lafayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lafayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lafayette County's soil?
Based on Lafayette County's Silt 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 Lafayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lafayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lafayette County
Soil Verdict
Lafayette 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
Lafayette County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lafayette 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.