Waushara County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Waushara County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield sand, till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, till plain, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, till plain, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsville loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, till plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Meehan loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okee loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Billett sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Richford loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Brems loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poy clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hortonville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.