Trempealeau County, Wisconsin

Survey Area WI121• Wisconsin

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Trempealeau 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
Boone-Elevasil complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, rocky	62K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hixton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hixton silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ettrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Festina silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Northbend-Ettrick silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Urne fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hixton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elevasil sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Palms and Houghton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% 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.