Barron County Soil Data
Barron County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Barron County, Wisconsin
Classic Acidic Loams of Barron
Barron County has an average soil pH of 5.38, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.63 and well below the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is typical for the mixed forest and agricultural lands of the region.
A Silty, Productive Texture
The soil is a mix of 38.6% sand and 43.3% silt, providing a loamy feel that is easy for roots to penetrate. The 9.9% clay content helps with nutrient retention while maintaining decent drainage.
Solid Water Storage Potential
Organic matter measures 8.96%, which is healthy but sits below the Wisconsin average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is nearly on par with the state average of 0.204, ensuring reliable moisture access.
Balanced Hydrology for Farming
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate drainage speeds. This balance typically supports diverse agricultural activities without the extremes of flooding or drought.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4b
In Zone 4b, the growing season supports staples like sweet corn, peas, and root vegetables. Your soil’s balanced silt content makes it a great foundation for a new vegetable patch.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barron County have?
Barron County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 43% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barron County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barron County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Barron County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Barron County.
What crops or plants grow well in Barron County's soil?
Based on Barron County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Barron County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barron County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Barron County
Soil Verdict
Barron 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
Barron County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barron 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.