Juneau County Soil Data
Juneau County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
15.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Juneau County, Wisconsin
Standard Acidic Wisconsin Soils
Juneau County presents an average pH of 5.50, which aligns closely with the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-tolerant plants. While taxonomic data is currently limited, the chemical profile is typical for the state's central sands region.
Sandy Foundations and Silt Mix
The soil contains 41.0% sand and 28.9% silt, creating a relatively light and workable ground. With only 9.4% clay, the soil remains porous and does not suffer from heavy compaction. This composition is well-suited for crops that require high oxygen levels around the root zone.
Strong Organic Matter Reserves
Organic matter content is robust at 15.83%, comfortably beating the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.200 in/in, just under the state benchmark of 0.204. This high organic content helps the sandy soil retain nutrients that would otherwise wash away.
Managing Water in Light Soils
Although specific drainage classes are not provided, the 41.0% sand content suggests the soil drains relatively quickly. This helps prevent waterlogged conditions during the wet spring months. Gardeners should consider mulching to preserve moisture in these fast-draining upper layers.
Productive Gardening in Zone 4b
With a soil score of 71.6, Juneau County outperforms the state average of 68.2. The Zone 4b climate is excellent for growing hardy vegetables like carrots, beets, and cabbage. Your land is highly capable of supporting a thriving home garden with minimal intervention.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Juneau County have?
Juneau County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 29% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Juneau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Juneau County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Juneau County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Juneau County.
What crops or plants grow well in Juneau County's soil?
Based on Juneau County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Juneau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Juneau County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Juneau County
Soil Verdict
Juneau 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
Juneau County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Juneau 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.