Marathon County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Withee, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Loyal and Rietbrock come next.
About 30% of the land drains well, and 52% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 64% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Marathon 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Marathon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Withee silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 114K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loyal silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 84K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fenwood-Rozellville silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rietbrock silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sherry silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Magnor silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freeon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Meadland loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 25K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rietbrock silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadland loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahtomedi loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fenwood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mosinee sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fordum silt loam, dissected till plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | B/D | 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 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.