Polk 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 Polk County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amery-Rosholt complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Santiago silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rifle muck | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Magnor silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haugen-Rosholt complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Menahga loamy sand, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haugen, very stony and Haugen sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt-Cromwell complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amery sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Santiago silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Freeon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt-Cromwell complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Amery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.