Burnett County Soil Data
Burnett County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
19.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Burnett County, Wisconsin
Acidic Entisols of the Northwest
Burnett County features acidic soils with a pH of 4.83, well below the state average of 5.63 and the national median of 6.5. These are classified as Entisols, which are relatively young soils in geologic terms.
High Sand and Moderate Silt
The soil contains 48.5% sand and 21.4% silt, with only 6.8% clay. This sand-forward mix makes the soil very easy to cultivate, though it can struggle to hold onto fertilizers.
Spongy Organic Wealth
Organic matter is very high at 19.02%, significantly beating the state average of 11.02%. This helps boost the available water capacity to 0.216 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.204.
Naturally Well-Drained Land
The county is dominant in well-drained soil, allowing water to move through the profile efficiently. This makes the land ideal for building and for crops that cannot tolerate 'wet feet' or standing water.
Cold-Hardy Planting in Zone 4a
Zone 4a demands plants that can survive a deep freeze, like asparagus or rhubarb. Your well-drained soil is a huge asset for early spring planting as it warms up faster than heavier clays.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Burnett County have?
Burnett County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 21% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Burnett County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burnett 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 Burnett County?
Burnett County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Burnett County's soil?
Based on Burnett County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Burnett County?
Burnett County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Burnett County
Soil Verdict
Burnett County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Burnett 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 Burnett 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.