Trempealeau County Soil Data
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
Driftless Area Soil Chemistry
Trempealeau County features a soil pH of 5.79, which is slightly more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but provides a versatile base for regional agriculture. Though taxonomic classifications are not listed, the pH profile supports a wide range of flora.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 41.3% sand and 39.4% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage and structure. A clay percentage of 12.3% helps hold the soil together and provides essential mineral-binding sites for plant food. This distribution is characteristic of the productive loams found in the western part of the state.
Consistent Performance in the Field
Organic matter content stands at 6.73%, providing a solid biological base despite being below the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is just below the state average of 0.204 in/in. These metrics indicate a reliable soil that responds well to standard fertilization and management.
Steady Drainage for Rolling Hills
Specific drainage classes are not currently documented for this county. However, the high sand and silt percentages usually result in moderate permeability, which is essential for the county’s sloped terrain. This helps prevent excessive runoff while ensuring water reaches deeper root systems.
Prime Growing in Zone 4b
Trempealeau County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, supporting a vast array of mid-western staple crops. The soil’s balanced composition is particularly good for apples, grains, and perennial herbs. With a soil score of 68.6, the county is an excellent place to start a productive family homestead.
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 Trempealeau County have?
Trempealeau County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 39% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Trempealeau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Trempealeau 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 Trempealeau County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Trempealeau County.
What crops or plants grow well in Trempealeau County's soil?
Based on Trempealeau 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 Trempealeau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Trempealeau County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Trempealeau County
Soil Verdict
Trempealeau 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
Trempealeau County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. 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 Trempealeau 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.