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Wisconsin Soils Program

Soil Survey work in Wisconsin began in the early 1900s shortly after the inception of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.  On May 14, 2006, over 100 years of Wisconsin  soil survey work was completed when the digital soils data for Iron County, Wisconsin was posted to the Soil Data Mart bringing digital soils coverage for Wisconsin to 100%.  This accomplishment could not have been achieved without the National Cooperative Soil Survey program, which in Wisconsin is a joint effort of the NRCS and other federal, state, and local agencies.  Principal state cooperators include the University of Wisconsin-Madison & Stevens Point, and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.


 

 

 Wisconsin General Soils Map
secrets in the soil

Unlock the Secrets in the Soil - Soil Health

These Soil Health resources are designed to help visitors understand the basics and benefits of soil health – and to learn about Soil Health Management Systems from farmers who are using those systems.

So whether you’re a farmer, a researcher, a conservationist or an interested citizen, the information on this site will help you “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil.”

 
Statsgo map Wisconsin Soils Data, Maps, and Information
Wisconsin NRCS has a wide variety of soils products and digital data to meet the needs of our diverse users.  Find out more here.
 

 mlra map

 Soil Survey by MLRA
In 1995, NRCS reorganized the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) mapping program to a Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) basis in order to develop a seamless, higher quality digital soil survey of the U.S.
Soil Scientist at work Wisconsin Soil Survey Program History and Activities
Wisconsin is continuing to improve soil survey data and products to meet current and emerging resource concerns.

History of Wisconsin Soil Survey  (PDF; 13 MB)
Example of a soil profile Soil Study and Land Evaluation Materials for Land Judging Competitions
Land judging competitions are held every year in many Wisconsin high schools, FFA and 4-H programs.  Find the official handbook, event guidelines and Scorecards for Wisconsin competitions here.
 
Antigo Antigo Silt Loam - Wisconsin's State Soil
Antigo Silt Loam is the Wisconsin State Soil.  Antigo represents the many soils that support Wisconsin's economy and environment.
 
   

For Assistance

Statewide assistance provided by state office staff on the soils program, soil attribute data, and GIS data.

Major Land Resource Area Assistance, provided by MLRA Soil Survey staff on the soil survey, sol attribute data and GIS data.

Local assistance provided by resource soil scientists who provide a wide range of local soils assistance including prime farmland protection and LESA.

To obtain soil maps and information for specific local areas, visit the Wisconsin Soils Information and Maps web page.