Burnett County Soil Data

Burnett County, Wisconsin

Avg 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

Loam
Sand: 48.5%
Silt: 21.4%
Clay: 6.8%
Loam

Soil pH

4.8pH
4.83486514827197
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.