Dane 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 Dane County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plano silt loam, till substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dodge silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| St. Charles silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McHenry silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ringwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sable silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Batavia silt loam, gravelly substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troxel silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wacousta silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kegonsa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dodge silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edmund silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kidder loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virgil silt loam, gravelly substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dresden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Virgil silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus-Dunbarton silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Radford silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.