Portage County Soil Data
Portage County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Portage County, Wisconsin
Acidic profiles in the heart of Wisconsin
Portage County soils carry an average pH of 5.35, notably lower than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the acidity level suggests a need for careful soil management for most traditional crops.
Sand-heavy soils dominate the region
The soil is remarkably sandy at 56.0%, paired with 22.7% silt and 6.6% clay. This composition leads to rapid drainage but may require more frequent irrigation and fertilization to maintain nutrient levels.
Surpassing state averages for organic matter
At 13.92% organic matter, Portage exceeds the state average of 11.02% and dwarfs the 2.0% national benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is lower than the Wisconsin average, reflecting the sand-dominant texture.
Limited data on county drainage classes
Regional drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently specified for this county. Local observations usually suggest high permeability in these sand-heavy areas, which is a critical factor for building and farming.
Diverse potential in Zone 4b
The 4b hardiness zone supports a variety of cool-season crops like potatoes and berries. Use the high 13.92% organic matter to your advantage by starting a robust vegetable garden this spring.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Portage County have?
Portage County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 23% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Portage County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Portage County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Portage County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Portage County.
What crops or plants grow well in Portage County's soil?
Based on Portage County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Portage County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Portage County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Portage County
Soil Verdict
Portage 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
Portage County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average. 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 Portage 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.