Jefferson County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wacousta silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kidder loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keowns silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamartine silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kidder loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matherton silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theresa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aztalan fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rotamer loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa silt loam, clayey substratum | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McHenry silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kidder sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rotamer loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | 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, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.