Shawano County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI115• 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 Shawano 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
Lupton, Cathro, and Markey mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes	57K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rosholt sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Onaway-Ossineke fine sandy loams, moraine, 1 to 6 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Solona loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tilleda fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Oesterle sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Minocqua muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Menahga loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Markey and Cathro mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rosholt sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	11K			Not rated	Not rated
Kennan, very bouldery and Kennan sandy loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Menominee loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Seelyeville muck, interdrumlin, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Solona-Ossineke complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fordum loam	10K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Onaway fine sandy loam, moraine, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Roscommon mucky loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	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.

Spodosols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 74% 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.