Burnett County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI013• 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 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 Burnett 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
Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	46K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	41K			Not rated	Not rated
Seelyeville and Markey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	26K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Menahga complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grettum loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	23K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Friendship-Wurtsmith-Grayling complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Menahga complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Menahga complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Saprists, Aquents, and Aquepts soils, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	18K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes	17K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bowstring muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	13K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, 12 to 30 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Loxley mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grettum loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crex loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pomroy-Fremstadt-Fremstadt, stony, complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Menahga and Mahtomedi soils, 30 to 45 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mahtomedi loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Menahga sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shawano fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Entisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 87% 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.