Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.