Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Wisconsin
Balanced Acidity in Monroe
While taxonomic data for Monroe is limited, the average pH of 5.78 indicates a slightly acidic profile. This is more alkaline than the state average of 5.63 but more acidic than the 6.5 national median.
A Gritty Silt Mix
The soil composition features 34.7% sand and 39.3% silt, creating a balanced medium for plant roots. With 11.4% clay, the soil offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient holding capacity.
High Organic Content Potential
Monroe boasts an impressive 11.79% organic matter, exceeding the Wisconsin state average. The available water capacity of 0.207 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm, signaling excellent growing potential.
Variable Drainage Patterns
While specific county-wide drainage classes are not listed, the significant organic matter suggests high moisture retention. Local farmers should monitor their specific fields for ponding, as the silt content can slow down water movement.
Thriving in Zone 5a
In Hardiness Zone 5a, Monroe's high soil score of 78.1 supports diverse forage and vegetable crops. The rich organic matter makes it an ideal spot for starting a productive home garden or a local orchard.
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 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 39% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Monroe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Monroe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe 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
Monroe County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.