Columbia County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI021• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Columbia 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
Plano silt loam, till substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lapeer fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
St. Charles silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	16K			Not rated	Not rated
Ossian silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lapeer fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Adrian muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Granby loamy sand	12K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilford fine sandy loam, stratified substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Plano silt loam, till substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Alluvial land, loamy, wet	8K	Poorly drained		Very limited	Very limited
McHenry silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grellton fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Colwood fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Boyer loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Lapeer fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Morocco loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Friesland fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 88% 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.