Sawyer County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI113• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Sawyer 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
Magnor, very stony and Magnor silt loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	63K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	62K			Not rated	Not rated
Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	41K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Loxley and Beseman soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	37K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Freeon, very stony and Freeon silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	31K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chequamegon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Freeon, very stony and Freeon silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sconsin silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	23K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lupton, Cathro, and Tawas soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Keweenaw-Pence complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony	17K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Padus sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pence sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Loxley, Beseman, and Dawson peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Butternut silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Padus sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Padus-Pence-Keweenaw complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony	13K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Padus-Pence-Keweenaw complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pence sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chequamegon silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pence sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 69% 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 86% 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.