Marathon County Soil Data
Marathon County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marathon County, Wisconsin
Acidic Foundations in Central Wisconsin
Marathon County soils have a pH of 5.28, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.63 and the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic orders are not mapped here, the acidity is a key factor for local growers.
Dual-Dominant Silt and Sand
Silt at 43.7% and sand at 42.2% create a dual-dominant profile with a small 9.7% clay component. This blend is versatile for various crops but may require lime applications to neutralize the high acidity.
Rich Organic Matter Reserves
Organic matter content is 8.49%, trailing the state average of 11.02% but still very rich compared to the 2.0% national average. Available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, slightly under the state benchmark.
Versatile but Variable Drainage
Formal drainage data is missing, but the balanced sand-silt ratio usually prevents extreme saturation. Landowners should monitor local water tables in this central Wisconsin terrain before major building or planting.
Cool-Season Success in Zone 4b
Hardiness Zone 4b supports short-season crops and cold-hardy varieties. Despite a lower soil score of 57.7, the substantial organic matter provides a solid base for a productive 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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marathon County have?
Marathon County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 44% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marathon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marathon 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 Marathon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marathon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marathon County's soil?
Based on Marathon 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 Marathon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marathon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marathon County
Soil Verdict
Marathon 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
Marathon 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 Marathon 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.