Florence County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Padus, on about 16% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Pence and Sarona come next.
About 57% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 37% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 Florence 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 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 Florence 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanzile silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stambaugh silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Padus sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Goodwit silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarona fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sarona-Padus complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wabeno-Goodwit silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton, Cathro, and Markey mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sarona-Vilas complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Metonga-Sarona complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | 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 57% 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 98% 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.