Bayfield County Soil Data
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
28.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bayfield County, Wisconsin
The Deeply Acidic Bayfield Profile
The soil in Bayfield County is quite acidic with a pH of 4.85, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This aligns with many northern Wisconsin counties that sit well below the state average pH of 5.63.
A Sandy and Silty Blend
Bayfield's soil consists of 39.4% sand and 19.9% silt, but a low 6.7% clay. This composition suggests a soil that is easy to work and dig but may lack some structural strength.
High Organic Matter and Water
This county boasts a massive 28.14% organic matter content, more than double the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.273 in/in is also well above the state average, providing an excellent buffer against dry spells.
Excellent Moisture Management
While official drainage classes are not provided, the high organic matter acts like a sponge for the county's water. This makes the land very resilient for gardening, even during erratic weather patterns.
Resilient Gardens in Zone 4b
The rich organic soil in Zone 4b is a dream for growing berries, greens, and hardy northern shrubs. Start a garden here to take full advantage of this high-capacity northern soil.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bayfield County have?
Bayfield County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 20% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bayfield County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bayfield County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bayfield County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bayfield County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bayfield County's soil?
Based on Bayfield County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Bayfield County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bayfield County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bayfield County
Soil Verdict
Bayfield 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
Bayfield County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. The zone range of 4a-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bayfield 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.