Washburn County Soil Data
Washburn County, Wisconsin
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
17.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washburn County, Wisconsin
Highly Acidic Northern Soils
Washburn County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.96, which is much lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is also notable compared to the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data for the dominant soil is limited, the low pH defines the local growing environment.
Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay
The soil here is relatively light, composed of 45.6% sand and only 6.5% clay. With silt making up 28.0% of the mix, the soil is easy to till but may struggle to hold certain nutrients. This high sand content suggests that water moves quickly through the ground.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is high in Washburn, where organic matter reaches 17.45%, far exceeding the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.215 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.204 in/in. These factors help compensate for the sandy texture by keeping the soil biologically active.
A Focus on Localized Hydrology
Standard drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for the dominant soil profile in this county. However, the high sand percentage typically points toward rapid drainage. Gardeners should monitor moisture levels closely, especially in areas where clay is scarce.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4a
In the cold climate of zone 4a, you should focus on acid-loving plants like blueberries and potatoes that thrive in these conditions. The high organic matter provides a great energy source for hardy northern crops. Use lime if you want to grow vegetables that prefer a more neutral pH.
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 Washburn County have?
Washburn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 28% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washburn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washburn County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Washburn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washburn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washburn County's soil?
Based on Washburn County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Washburn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washburn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washburn 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.