Marinette County Soil Data
Marinette County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
20.4%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Marinette County, Wisconsin
Acidic Entisols Near the Bay
Entisols dominate here, featuring a very acidic pH of 4.99 compared to the 6.5 national median. Loam is the primary texture, providing a balanced physical structure despite the high chemical acidity.
Sandy Loam for Fast Drainage
Sand makes up 48.7% of the soil, while silt and clay account for 25.8% and 7.4% respectively. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but may require frequent watering during dry spells to keep plants hydrated.
Vast Organic Matter Resources
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 20.36%, nearly doubling the Wisconsin state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in sits perfectly on par with the state average of 0.204 in/in.
Steady Infiltration for Agriculture
Classified in Hydrologic Group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration rates and good drainage. This makes the land suitable for agriculture, provided the high acidity is managed with appropriate soil amendments.
Organic-Rich Gardening in Zone 4b
Zone 4b gardeners can leverage the massive organic matter reserves to grow vibrant vegetables. The 64.1 soil score suggests that with proper pH adjustments, this land is ready for a beautiful garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
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 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marinette County have?
Marinette County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 26% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marinette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marinette County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Marinette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marinette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marinette County's soil?
Based on Marinette County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Marinette County?
Marinette County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marinette County
Soil Verdict
Marinette 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
Marinette County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marinette 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.