Pepin County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Pepin, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Seaton and Urne come next.
About 67% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% of it.
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 Pepin 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pepin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pepin silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ella silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Algansee-Kalmarville complex, river valleys, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drammen loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pepin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burkhardt sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Finchford loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urne fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hersey silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Finchford loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Northbend-Ettrick silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat 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 51% 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 83% 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.