Dane County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Plano, on about 7% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Dodge and St. Charles come next.
About 69% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 46% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 18% 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 Dane 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 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 Dane 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 | 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 |
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 46% 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.