Calumet County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Kewaunee, on about 20% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Manawa and Hochheim come next.
About 37% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 38% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
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 Calumet 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 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 Calumet 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 50K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kewaunee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 48K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manawa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poygan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded, drained | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamartine silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Theresa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kewaunee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manawa-Kewaunee-Poygan complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willette muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodge silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poygan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, drained | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whalan silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Channahon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents | 2K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.