Oconto County Soil Data
Oconto County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
17.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Oconto County, Wisconsin
Oconto's Acidic Sandy Profile
Oconto's soil shows an average pH of 5.36, which is notably more acidic than both the state average and the 6.5 national median. This acidity level is common in regions with significant coniferous forest cover or glacial history.
Dominated by Sand
The county is characterized by a high sand content of 54.2%, paired with 24.7% silt and 7.4% clay. This light texture provides excellent aeration for roots but means the soil will dry out faster than heavier types.
Exceptional Organic Matter
Oconto features a massive 17.32% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 11.02%. However, its available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is lower than the state mean, reflecting the drainage speed of the sand.
Rapid Drainage Realities
Though specific drainage classifications vary locally, the 54.2% sand content typically leads to quick water movement. This makes the soil easy to work shortly after rain, but nutrient leaching is a frequent concern.
Zone 5a Gardening Options
With a soil score of 65.7 and a Zone 5a climate, Oconto is well-suited for acid-loving perennials and cold-hardy crops. Gardeners can capitalize on the high organic matter to grow vigorous berry patches or root vegetables.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Oconto County have?
Oconto County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 25% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Oconto County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Oconto County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Oconto County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Oconto County.
What crops or plants grow well in Oconto County's soil?
Based on Oconto County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Oconto County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Oconto County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Oconto County
Soil Verdict
Oconto 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
Oconto County closely matches the Wisconsin average hardiness conditions. 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 Oconto 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.