Indirectly and directly, soil is affected by the degradation of water quality due to anthropogenic activity. Agriculture is one of the main contributors of this degradation. Fertilizers are being over used on agricultural land, and animal waste is frequently not managed correctly. Fertilizers and animal wastes contain nutrients which can be carried to waterways during rainfall events and eventually travel down into the soil. From September 2006 through May 2007, a study was conducted to examine the basic characteristics of soil along the banks of the Sauk River. In early October, grab samples were taken from the topsoil along the banks of the Sauk River. The soil was then analyzed for pH, soil texture, phosphorus, nitrate, and ammonia. Results from this study will be used to help determine the influence of shoreline soil on the Sauk River water quality.