Waushara County Soil Data
Waushara County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Waushara County, Wisconsin
Acidic and Sandy Waushara Soil
Waushara County features an average soil pH of 5.57, aligning closely with the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. Though the specific taxonomic order isn't listed for the dominant soil, the pH indicates a typical northern acidic profile. This acidity level is lower than the national median of 6.5.
Dominance of Sand and Silt
The soil composition is very light, featuring 57.7% sand and only 9.5% clay. With 15.9% silt, this mix is exceptionally easy to dig and work with tools. However, the high sand content means the ground does not naturally hold moisture or nutrients very well.
High Organic Matter Beats State Average
Waushara excels in organic matter, boasting 12.87%, which is higher than the state average of 11.02%. However, its available water capacity is low at 0.163 in/in compared to the state’s 0.204 in/in. This means while the soil is fertile, it needs frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.
Observing Local Water Movement
Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for the dominant soil in this county. Given the 57.7% sand content, you can generally expect rapid drainage and low water retention. This makes the soil warm up quickly in the spring, which is a benefit for early planting.
Early Season Planting in Zone 5a
The sandy soils of zone 5a are famous for supporting root crops like carrots and potatoes. Because the soil warms up fast, you can often start your garden earlier than neighbors with heavier clay soils. Be sure to add plenty of mulch to help retain that vital moisture.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Waushara County have?
Waushara County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 16% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Waushara County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Waushara County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Waushara County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Waushara County.
What crops or plants grow well in Waushara County's soil?
Based on Waushara County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Waushara County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Waushara County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Waushara 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.