Pepin County Soil Data
Pepin County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pepin County, Wisconsin
Pepin's Favorable Soil pH
Pepin County boasts a pH of 5.84, making it less acidic than the typical Wisconsin soil. While it doesn't reach the national median of 6.5, it provides a friendly environment for a wide range of agricultural activities.
Gritty and Workable Silt
The soil contains a significant 45.5% sand and 37.1% silt, giving it a light, easy-to-work feel. With only 11.2% clay, the soil is less prone to the heavy clodding that plagues clay-heavy regions.
Modest Water Capacity
The available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is below the state average of 0.204 in/in, meaning soil dries out sooner. However, organic matter remains solid at 5.64%, which is more than double the national average.
Monitoring Moisture Flow
With nearly half the soil composed of sand, drainage is likely efficient throughout the county. Gardeners should watch for fast-moving water that might take soluble nutrients with it during heavy rain events.
Northern Garden Potential
Located in Hardiness Zone 4b, Pepin's soil score of 63.5 supports cold-hardy varieties of corn and small grains. It is a great environment for a home garden focused on hardy root crops and cool-season vegetables.
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 Pepin County have?
Pepin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 37% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pepin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pepin 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 Pepin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pepin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pepin County's soil?
Based on Pepin 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 Pepin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pepin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pepin County
Soil Verdict
Pepin 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
Pepin County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pepin 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.