Menominee County Soil Data
Menominee County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
40.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Menominee County, Wisconsin
Strongly Acidic Forest Soils
Soils here are highly acidic with a pH of 5.07, well below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.63. While taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile reflects the county's deep forest heritage.
Organic-Driven Soil Structure
The soil is composed of 32.3% sand and 15.9% silt, with a very low clay fraction of only 3.9%. This unique physical profile is heavily influenced by organic components rather than mineral sediments.
Unmatched Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter is a staggering 40.01%, the highest in the region and far beyond the state average of 11.02%. This massive organic load drives a superior available water capacity of 0.361 in/in.
High-Capacity Water Retention
While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the extreme organic content suggests a sponge-like soil. It holds vast amounts of moisture, which is excellent for native trees but can be challenging for heavy construction.
A Goldmine for Zone 5a Gardeners
In Zone 5a, the 70.4 soil score indicates high productivity potential. The rich organic matter is a goldmine for your garden; just select plants that can handle acidic and moist conditions.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Menominee County have?
Menominee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 16% silt, and 4% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Menominee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Menominee County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Menominee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Menominee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Menominee County's soil?
Based on Menominee County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Menominee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Menominee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Menominee County
Soil Verdict
Menominee County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Menominee County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions. 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 Menominee 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.