Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kewaunee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 58K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hortonville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manawa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manawa-Kewaunee-Poygan complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Symco silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kewaunee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poygan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded, drained | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hortonville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shiocton very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mundelein silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willette muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zurich silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Granby fine sandy loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nichols very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvaquents | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lutzke sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.