Vernon 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 Vernon County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 57K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless ridge, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, deep, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elbaville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newglarus silt loam, deep, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beavercreek cobbly fine sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepin silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 82% 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.