Pierce County Soil Data
Pierce County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Pierce's High-pH Advantage
Pierce County soil features a pH of 6.19, which is the highest in this group and approaches the national median of 6.5. This makes it significantly more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63, benefiting nutrient availability.
A Silty Foundation
The soil composition is dominated by 46.0% silt and 40.9% sand, with 13.0% clay. This silty mix is excellent for capturing moisture while remaining porous enough for healthy root respiration.
Lower Organic Reserves
At 2.45%, the organic matter is the lowest in this list, though still above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in falls just short of the state average, suggesting a need for mulching.
Navigating Silt Drainage
High silt content can sometimes lead to surface crusting after rain, which affects how water enters the soil. Gardeners should use compost to improve the structure and prevent the soil from becoming too compact over time.
Zone 4b Growing Success
Pierce County's soil score of 62.9 and its 4b hardiness zone provide a solid foundation for apple orchards and berries. Start a garden here by adding organic amendments to boost the soil's naturally lower organic matter levels.
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
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pierce County have?
Pierce County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 46% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pierce County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pierce County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Pierce County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pierce County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pierce County's soil?
Based on Pierce County's Loam texture, pH of 6.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Pierce County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pierce County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pierce County
Soil Verdict
Pierce 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
Pierce County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pierce 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.