Polk County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI095• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Polk 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.