Richland County Soil Data
Richland County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Richland County, Wisconsin
Higher pH levels in Richland soil
Richland County enjoys an average pH of 6.01, which is significantly closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of the state. This makes it one of the more chemically balanced soils in Wisconsin for general agriculture.
Silty profiles for excellent workability
With 44.7% silt and 39.3% sand, this soil offers a smooth texture that is easy to till. The 13.0% clay content provides just enough structure to assist with nutrient stability.
Focus on building organic matter
At 4.00%, the organic matter is lower than the state average of 11.02% but still double the national average. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in means you may need to monitor soil moisture during dry spells.
Steady hydrology for the Driftless Area
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. However, the balanced silt and sand levels generally suggest moderate drainage suitable for various land uses.
Thriving harvests in Zone 5a
Richland's 5a climate and 65.4 soil score provide a great environment for brassicas and root vegetables. Your soil's 6.01 pH gives you a head start on many common garden favorites.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Richland County have?
Richland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 45% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Richland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Richland County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Richland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Richland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Richland County's soil?
Based on Richland County's Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Richland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Richland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Richland County
Soil Verdict
Richland 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
Richland County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Richland 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.