Douglas County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI031• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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. 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
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

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.

Spodosols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.