Marinette County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Marinette County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menahga sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 85K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lupton, Cathro, and Markey mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 73K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 50K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Onaway-Ossineke fine sandy loams, drumlin, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seelyeville and Markey mucks, interdrumlin, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 45K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Michigamme-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ishpeming-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlevoix fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga-Mancelona-Menominee complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deford and Cormant soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Deford and Leafriver soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnheim silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wainola fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga-Mancelona-Menominee complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarona fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Menominee loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.