Price County Soil Data
Price County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
24.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Price County, Wisconsin
Deeply acidic soils in the Northwoods
Price County features very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.94, well below the state average of 5.63. This low pH level significantly impacts which plants can naturally thrive without soil amendments.
Balanced silt and sand proportions
The soil mix contains 33.7% sand and 33.6% silt, with a low clay content of 6.8%. This creates a unique texture that balances workability with the ability to hold onto some moisture.
Exceptional organic richness and water storage
Price County leads with a massive 23.96% organic matter content and an available water capacity of 0.254 in/in. Both figures far exceed state averages, indicating a high potential for moisture retention and nutrient cycling.
Managing high water storage capacity
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high water capacity of 0.254 in/in suggests these soils stay moist longer than those in neighboring counties. This is ideal for wetland-adjacent gardening but requires careful site selection for construction.
Zone 4a favors the cold-hardy
Price County's 4a climate is perfect for blueberries and other acid-loving, cold-tolerant species. With a 67.6 soil score, you have a strong foundation for a productive northern 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 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Price County have?
Price County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 34% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Price County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Price County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Price County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Price County.
What crops or plants grow well in Price County's soil?
Based on Price County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Price County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Price County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Price County
Soil Verdict
Price 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
Price County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Price 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.