Brown County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI009• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Brown 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
Kewaunee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	62K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	50K			Not rated	Not rated
Manawa silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Oshkosh silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Waymor silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kewaunee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Oshkosh silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tedrow loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kewaunee-Manawa complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Poygan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded, drained	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shawano loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Onaway-Ossineke fine sandy loams, moraine, 1 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Oshkosh silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carbondale muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Solona loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bellevue silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fill land	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Kibbie silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alluvial land	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Waymor silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 75% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.