Douglas County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Douglas County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amnicon-Cuttre complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 124K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 70K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville, Cathro, and Markey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newood-Pesabic-Capitola complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milaca-Mora-Greysolon complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes, stony | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bergland-Cuttre complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Beseman, and Dawson peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Keweenaw, stony-Newood, stony-Cathro complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, ravines and escarpments, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Miskoaki clay loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pesabic-Newood-Capitola complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Newood-Pesabic complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville and Markey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Sayner-Vilas complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.