Langlade County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Kennan, on about 21% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Antigo and Pence come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Langlade 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 A (high infiltration, low 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 Langlade 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Magnor silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 37K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minocqua, Cable, and Sherry mucks | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ossmer silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Billyboy silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Beseman, and Dawson peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langlade silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hatley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lupton, Cathro, and Markey mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menominee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not 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 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.