Outagamie County Soil Data
Outagamie County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Variable
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
7.0%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Outagamie County, Wisconsin
Outagamie's Versatile Entisols
Dominant Entisols define Outagamie's soil, which features a healthy pH of 6.16. This is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Wisconsin counties and well above the state average of 5.63.
Balanced Texture for Growth
The composition is nearly an even split with 38.4% sand and 36.7% silt. This balance, combined with 14.9% clay, provides enough structure for nutrient retention while remaining manageable for tillage.
Solid Nutrient Potential
With 6.99% organic matter, the county stays well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is almost identical to the state average, offering stable moisture levels for crops.
Excessively Well-Drained
Classified as somewhat excessively drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, this soil moves water away quickly. This is ideal for avoiding mud and building foundations, but may require more attention during a drought.
Gardening Gold in Zone 5b
Outagamie's impressive soil score of 79.5 is one of the highest in the region. The Zone 5b climate combined with this high-quality soil makes it an excellent place for a diverse and productive vegetable garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Variable
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 Outagamie County have?
Outagamie County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 37% silt, and 15% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Outagamie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Outagamie 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 Outagamie County?
Outagamie County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Outagamie County's soil?
Based on Outagamie County's Variable texture, pH of 6.2, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Outagamie County?
Outagamie County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Outagamie County
Soil Verdict
Outagamie County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Outagamie County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Outagamie 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.