Dunn County Soil Data
Dunn County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dunn County, Wisconsin
Moderately Acidic Soils in Dunn County
The soil features a pH of 5.84, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but higher than the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile supports a wide variety of temperate crops.
A Sand-Heavy Foundation for Better Airflow
With 46.1% sand and 36.8% silt, the soil offers a light texture that is easy to till and work. The relatively low clay content of 10.9% means the ground won't easily compact, though it may require more frequent watering.
Solid Organic Matter for Healthy Growth
Organic matter stands at 6.11%, more than tripling the national average of 2.0%. Although the available water capacity of 0.185 is slightly below the state average of 0.204, the high biological content provides a strong base for plant health.
Naturally Porous Underground Movement
While official drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests naturally rapid drainage across the county. This environment is ideal for preventing root rot but might lead to nutrient leaching without proper management.
Start Your Zone 4b Garden Today
Dunn County is in Hardiness Zone 4b, perfect for cold-hardy staples like potatoes, apples, and kale. With an overall soil score of 66.0, your land is well-equipped for a productive and diverse home garden.
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 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dunn County have?
Dunn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 37% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dunn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dunn County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Dunn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dunn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dunn County's soil?
Based on Dunn County's Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Dunn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dunn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dunn County
Soil Verdict
Dunn 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
Dunn County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dunn 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.