Lincoln County Soil Data
Lincoln County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lincoln County, Wisconsin
Classic Northern Acidic Soils
Lincoln County soils measure a pH of 5.28, trailing the 5.63 state average and the 6.5 national median. While taxonomic order data is currently limited, the acidity is characteristic of the regional forest floor.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil mix is nearly even between sand at 43.8% and silt at 40.6%. With only 7.7% clay, the soil is light and easy to work but requires careful management to prevent nutrients from leaching away.
Average Fertility and Hydration
Organic matter levels reach 11.11%, aligning perfectly with the Wisconsin state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.195 in/in falls slightly below the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in.
Light Soils Avoid Waterlogging
Specific hydrologic group data is not specified for this county. The balanced sand and silt content generally suggests a soil that avoids heavy waterlogging, making it suitable for both forestry and agriculture.
Hardy Plants for Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners should focus on acid-loving plants like blueberries or conifers. The soil score of 62.9 reflects a respectable foundation for a productive Northwoods 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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lincoln County have?
Lincoln County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 41% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lincoln County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lincoln County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lincoln County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lincoln County's soil?
Based on Lincoln County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Lincoln County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lincoln County
Soil Verdict
Lincoln 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
Lincoln County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lincoln 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.