Door County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI029• Wisconsin

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 Door 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
Onaway-Ossineke fine sandy loams, moraine, 1 to 6 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Summerville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Longrie loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Omena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Namur loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Solona loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carbondale muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kewaunee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Summerville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Angelica loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonduel loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Omena sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Longrie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cathro muck	6K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Manawa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Markey muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kolberg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rousseau fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Onaway fine sandy loam, moraine, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Omro silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 84% 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.