Forest County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Forest County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 121K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabeno-Goodwit silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 48K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wabeno-Goodman silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 37K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stambaugh silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Beseman, and Dawson peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stambaugh silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vanzile silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mudlake silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Wabeno silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Soperton-Goodman silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tipler sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Wabeno silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence sandy loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Argonne-Sarona sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argonne-Sarwet sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 96% 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.