Wood County Soil Data
Wood County, Wisconsin
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
20.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wood County, Wisconsin
Wood County's Distinct Acidic Profile
Wood County features an average soil pH of 5.13, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data for the dominant soil isn't provided, this low pH level is a defining characteristic of the region. This acidity is much lower than the national median of 6.5.
Sandy and Silt-Heavy Earth
The soil composition consists of 37.8% sand, 28.1% silt, and a low 7.8% clay. This creates a light soil that is easy to till and work with by hand. The low clay content means the soil won't get as sticky or compacted as the heavier soils found in the south.
Unmatched Organic Matter Levels
Wood County has an incredible 20.41% organic matter, nearly double the Wisconsin state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.216 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. This makes the soil extremely fertile and capable of holding plenty of moisture.
Hydrology Defined by Organic Richness
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for the dominant soil here. However, the combination of high sand and very high organic matter usually allows for decent water movement. Gardeners should expect the soil to behave like a sponge—holding water well but draining when saturated.
Cranberry Country in Zone 4b
The high acidity and incredible organic matter of zone 4b make this perfect cranberry and blueberry country. If you want to grow traditional vegetables, you may need to add lime to balance the pH. Regardless, the rich soil provides a massive head start for any northern gardener.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wood County have?
Wood County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 28% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wood County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wood County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wood County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wood County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wood County's soil?
Based on Wood County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Wood County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wood County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wood County
Soil Verdict
Wood County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°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
Wood County is somewhat cooler than the Wisconsin statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wood 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.