Green Lake County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Kidder, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Plano and Houghton come next.
About 55% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 32% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Green Lake 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 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 Green Lake 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plano silt loam, till substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kidder fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby loamy fine sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brems loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plano silt loam, till substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mendota silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Okee loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oakville fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poy silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willette muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ossian silt loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kidder loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colwood silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby loamy fine sand, loamy subsoil variant, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan silt loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rotamer sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grellton fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.