Marathon County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI073• Wisconsin

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
Fordum silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very 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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 71% 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 83% 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.