Adams County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Adams County, Wisconsin. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 69K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Friendship loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 66K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 28K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plainfield sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meehan loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newson mucky loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck, acid, lake plain, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Delton sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winterfield-Evart complex, river valleys, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Billett sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kewaunee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okee loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wyeville loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winterfield-Fordum complex, river valleys, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.