Iowa County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Newglarus, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Dodgeville and Palsgrove come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 39% 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 Iowa 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 71% 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 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.