Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newglarus silt loam, moderately deep, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 41K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, moderately deep, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashdale silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashdale silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sogn silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dodgeville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palsgrove silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worthen silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaseburg silt loam, moderately well drained, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntsville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, moderately deep, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson silt loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.