Sawyer County Soil Data
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
23.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Highly Acidic Soils in the North Woods
Sawyer County features a very acidic profile with an average pH of 4.94, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity surpasses the Wisconsin state average of 5.63, demanding careful management for traditional crops. While specific taxonomic orders remain unclassified in local data, the chemical signature remains distinct.
A Light and Sandy Texture
The soil contains 37.5% sand and a modest 6.3% clay, ensuring the ground stays light and easy to work. Silt accounts for 28.8% of the mix, providing enough body to prevent total nutrient loss through leaching. This high-sand composition means the soil warms up quickly in the spring sunshine.
Unusually High Organic Richness
Sawyer boasts a massive organic matter content of 23.52%, more than double the state average of 11.02%. This biological wealth drives an available water capacity of 0.246 in/in, which is roughly 20% higher than the typical Wisconsin soil. Such high fertility offers a strong foundation for specialty crops that thrive in damp, rich environments.
Hydrology Driven by Porosity
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented in the current dataset, the high sand content suggests naturally rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for fast drying during summer spells despite the high organic matter. This natural drainage usually makes the county favorable for building foundations.
Growing in Hardiness Zone 4a
The cold winters of Zone 4a favor resilient perennials and short-season vegetables. Blueberries and cranberries thrive here due to the naturally low pH and high organic matter. Start your garden today with cold-hardy varieties that love the rich, northern soil.
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 Sawyer County have?
Sawyer County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 29% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sawyer County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sawyer 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 Sawyer County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sawyer County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sawyer County's soil?
Based on Sawyer 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 Sawyer County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sawyer County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sawyer County
Soil Verdict
Sawyer 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
Sawyer County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sawyer 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.