Burnett County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Grayling, on about 14% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Menahga and Graycalm come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 56% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Burnett County, Wisconsin, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.