Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
18.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Wisconsin
Acidity Meets High Organic Content
Jackson County soil maintains an average pH of 5.37, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.63. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime if growing pH-sensitive crops. The lack of specific taxonomic data is offset by the county's strong organic performance.
A Sand-Heavy Foundation
The soil is comprised of 42.1% sand, 25.0% silt, and a low 8.3% clay content. This high sand percentage ensures excellent aeration for plant roots and prevents the soil from hardening when dry. However, this mix can lead to faster nutrient leaching compared to heavier clay soils.
Rich Organic Reserves
With 18.63% organic matter, Jackson County sits well above the state average of 11.02% and dwarfs the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity exactly matches the state average of 0.204 in/in. This combination provides a fertile environment that holds moisture effectively despite its sandy base.
Natural Filtration and Flow
While official drainage classes are not listed, the 42.1% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage and high permeability. This helps prevent standing water after storms, making it a stable choice for various building projects. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering to keep the upper layers moist.
Resilient Growing in Zone 4b
The USDA Hardiness Zone 4b environment supports cool-weather staples like potatoes and diverse root vegetables. With an overall soil score of 70.9, the land outperforms the state average of 68.2. Take advantage of the high organic matter by starting a vegetable patch this spring.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 25% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jackson County
Soil Verdict
Jackson 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
Jackson County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.