Monroe County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Monroe County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarr sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Council-Elevasil-Norden complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, rocky | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarr sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ponycreek-Dawsil complex, lake plain, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Majik, cool-Ponycreek complex, lake plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boone-Elevasil complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mindoro sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Impact sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wildale channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Council fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elevasil sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 100% 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.