Columbia County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.