Waupaca County Soil Data
Waupaca County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
9.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Waupaca County, Wisconsin
Silty Clay Mollisols of Waupaca
Waupaca County’s soil is characterized by a silty clay texture and belongs to the Mollisol order. The average pH of 5.51 is very close to the state average of 5.63 but more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This creates a specialized environment that may require lime for certain sensitive crops.
High Sand Content for a Clay Texture
Surprisingly, while the texture is silty clay, the composition contains 55.6% sand, 25.1% silt, and 9.6% clay. This high sand percentage helps keep the soil from becoming too compacted despite its clay classification. This mix provides a unique balance of drainage and structural stability.
Moderate Water Capacity and Rich Matter
The soil holds 9.09% organic matter, which is healthy but slightly lower than the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.164 in/in, falling below the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. This suggests that the soil may dry out faster than in other parts of the state.
Dealing with Heavy Group D Drainage
The dominant soil is poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the soil is sandy, it has high runoff potential and water moves slowly through the profile. You may need to manage water flow carefully to avoid erosion on sloped land.
Gardening Success in Zone 5a
Waupaca is in hardiness zone 5a, supporting cold-tolerant vegetables and northern fruit varieties. The silty clay base is great for holding onto minerals, which helps feed heavy-feeding plants like cabbage and broccoli. Start a garden this year and experiment with crops that enjoy moist, rich conditions.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Waupaca County have?
Waupaca County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 25% silt, and 10% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Waupaca County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Waupaca County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Waupaca County?
Waupaca County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Waupaca County's soil?
Based on Waupaca County's Silty clay texture, pH of 5.5, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Waupaca County?
Waupaca County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Waupaca 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.