Shawano County Soil Data
Shawano County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Shawano County, Wisconsin
Acidic Sands in Central Wisconsin
Shawano County has an average soil pH of 5.39, falling below both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.63. The soil is predominantly acidic, which influences nutrient availability for local agriculture. Standard taxonomic data is unavailable for this region, but the pH profile remains a primary characteristic.
Coarse Texture with High Sand Content
The soil is dominated by 54.7% sand, creating a coarse texture that provides excellent aeration for plant roots. With only 8.0% clay and 26.9% silt, the soil is highly workable but can be prone to drying out. This mix is ideal for crops that require well-drained conditions rather than heavy, wet clay.
Solid Organic Foundation with Low Water Retention
Organic matter levels sit at 12.36%, which exceeds the state average of 11.02% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.204 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is biologically rich, it struggles to hold onto moisture during dry periods.
Naturally Fast-Moving Water
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for the county. However, the high sand percentage implies that water moves quickly through the profile, preventing pooling in most areas. This makes the soil excellent for wet-weather farming but necessitates frequent irrigation during droughts.
Hardy Zone 5a Harvests
Shawano County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, offering a balance of cold resilience and a decent growing window. This soil is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that thrive in sandy, easy-to-penetrate ground. Local gardeners can capitalize on the high organic matter to grow vigorous leafy greens and northern berries.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Shawano County have?
Shawano County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 27% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shawano County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shawano County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Shawano County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Shawano County.
What crops or plants grow well in Shawano County's soil?
Based on Shawano County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Shawano County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shawano County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.