Iowa County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Iowa County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newglarus silt loam, moderately deep, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, deep, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, moderately deep, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, deep, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, deep, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkmound-Northfield complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lacrescent-Dunbarton complex, very stony, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sogn and Dodgeville silt loams, shallow, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gale silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbaville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.