Forest County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Padus, on about 17% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Stambaugh and Wabeno come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 31% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 56% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Forest 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 Forest 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 | 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 |
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 67% 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 97% 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.