Dunn County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Kevilar, on about 7% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Urne and Hayriver come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% 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 Dunn 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 A (high infiltration, low 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 Dunn 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayriver-Twinmound complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kevilar sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Drammen loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Markey and Seelyeville mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Finchford loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield loamy sand, river valley, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ella silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rasset sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield loamy sand, river valley, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urne fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayriver and Elevasil fine sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayriver and Elevasil fine sandy loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kevilar sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lows loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Algansee-Kalmarville complex, river valleys, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urne fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dobie and Hixton silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.