Forest County Soil Data
Forest County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Forest County, Wisconsin
Highly Acidic and Biologically Rich
Forest County has an average pH of 4.85, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This specialized chemistry is a hallmark of the region's dense forest ecosystems and unique soil development.
Balanced Sands and Silts
The composition is a near-even split of 42.9% sand and 40.9% silt, with very little clay at 6.6%. This results in a soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and won't bake into hard crusts during the summer.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
At 16.05%, the organic matter content is nearly double the already-high state average. The soil also features an available water capacity of 0.206, which slightly outperforms the state average of 0.204.
Spongy Soil with Reliable Moisture
While specific drainage data is missing, the extreme organic matter creates a sponge-like soil that holds water well. The 42.9% sand ensures that air can still reach plant roots, creating a resilient environment for native growth.
Native Success in Zone 4b
This Zone 4b region is a dream for forest-based gardening and cold-hardy perennials. Despite a lower 62.8 soil score, the massive organic content provides a massive advantage for any gardener willing to work with acidic conditions.
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 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Forest County have?
Forest County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 41% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Forest County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Forest County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Forest County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Forest County.
What crops or plants grow well in Forest County's soil?
Based on Forest County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Forest County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Forest County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Forest County
Soil Verdict
Forest 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
Forest County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Forest 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.