Ashland County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Ashland County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanborg-Badriver complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 70K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 48K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic, very stony-Pence, very stony-Cathro complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanagolden fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickford-Badriver complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Butternut silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley and Beseman soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanagolden fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, ravines and escarpments, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Portwing-Herbster complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torch silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Pence complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Butternut silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Pleine-Cathro complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic-Metonga-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tula-Wormet-Gogebic complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peeksville fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton, Cathro, and Tawas soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minocqua, Cable and Pleine soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Karlin complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.