Pierce County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pierce County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hersey silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hersey silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 27K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vlasaty silt loam, dissected, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vlasaty silt loam, dissected, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepin silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pepin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sargeant silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dakota loam, strath terrace, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nickin loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Boone-Whalan complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockton silt loam, strath terrace, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wykoff loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, deep, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, deep, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whalan silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.