Portage County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Portage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newson mucky loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meehan loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Billett sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck, acid, lake plain, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Friendship loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Point sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosholt sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meadland loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rozellville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wyocena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dancy sandy loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyocena sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kranski loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.