Vilas County Soil Data
Vilas County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
4.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
16.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Vilas County, Wisconsin
Highly Acidic Northern Highlands
Vilas County soil is extremely acidic with an average pH of 4.58, far below the national median of 6.5 and state average of 5.63. This is one of the most acidic profiles in Wisconsin, typical of coniferous forest floors. While taxonomic data is not available, the pH strongly dictates what can survive here.
A Predominantly Sandy Surface
The soil is 52.3% sand with a very low clay content of just 5.8%. Silt makes up 30.4%, creating a very light and porous texture that allows for rapid air and water movement. This composition makes the soil extremely easy to dig but very poor at holding onto essential nutrients.
High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage
Vilas County has a rich organic matter content of 16.50%, well above the state average of 11.02%. However, the sandy nature results in a low available water capacity of 0.179 in/in, which is below the state average of 0.204 in/in. Plants must be drought-resistant or watered frequently to survive the quick-draining ground.
Rapid Drainage Challenges
There is no specific drainage or hydrologic data available in the dataset, but the 52.3% sand indicates very fast drainage. This prevents waterlogging even in heavy rains but means the soil does not act as a reliable reservoir. Building on this ground is generally straightforward due to the lack of heavy clay.
Hardy Zone 4a Native Growth
As a Zone 4a region, Vilas County is perfect for acid-loving native plants like pines, ferns, and wild berries. To grow vegetables, gardeners should focus on heavy mulching and pH adjustment to overcome the sandy, acidic baseline. It is a challenging but rewarding environment for those who embrace northern hardy species.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Vilas County have?
Vilas County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 30% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Vilas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vilas County's soil has a low pH of 4.6, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Vilas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Vilas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Vilas County's soil?
Based on Vilas County's Loam texture, pH of 4.6, 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 Vilas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Vilas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Vilas 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.