Burnett County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.