Oneida County Soil Data
Oneida County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
15.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Oneida County, Wisconsin
Highly Acidic Oneida Soil
Oneida County possesses very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.69, significantly lower than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. This profile is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, characteristic of Northwoods forest soils.
Sandy Forest Floor
The soil is comprised of 52.7% sand and 30.2% silt, with only 6.5% clay. This provides a very loose structure that is easy to dig but may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen.
Peaty Organic Wealth
Oneida holds a high 15.50% organic matter, far surpassing the 2.0% national average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, which is below the state average of 0.204 in/in.
Naturally Draining Landscapes
The high sand content suggests that water moves quickly through the profile, though local bogs and marshes can create wet spots. Homeowners should expect well-aerated soil that may require supplemental irrigation during dry northern summers.
Cold Climate Specialties
In Hardiness Zone 4a, Oneida's acidic soil is perfect for blueberries, cranberries, and potatoes. While the soil score is 54.1, focusing on acid-tolerant plants will yield a very successful 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 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Oneida County have?
Oneida County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 30% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Oneida County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Oneida County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Oneida County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Oneida County.
What crops or plants grow well in Oneida County's soil?
Based on Oneida County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Oneida County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Oneida County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Oneida County
Soil Verdict
Oneida County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°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
Oneida 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 Oneida 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.