In cooperation with the

Research Division of the

College of Agricultural and

Life Sciences, University of

Wisconsin

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Natural

Resources

Conservation

Service

Soil Survey of

Richland County,

Wisconsin

Subset of Major Land

Resource Area 105
Where To Get More Information

More soils information is available from the Natural Resources Conservation

Service (NRCS) Soils Web site (http://soils.usda.gov). This site includes links to other

sites where additional information specific to the soils in Richland County can be

accessed, including the NRCS Soil Data Mart (http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov) and

the NRCS Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app).

Additional local information is available from the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide

at Richland Center, Wisconsin, or online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg.

For further information, please contact:

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Richland Center Service Center

26136 Executive Lane

Richland Center, WI 53581

Phone: (608) 647-8874
The information provided in this publication can be useful in planning the use and

management of small areas. The text includes descriptions of detailed soil map units

and provides an explanation of the information presented in the tables, or soil reports,

which are available via the Web Soil Survey of the Natural Resources Conservation

Service (accessible from the Soils Web site at http://soils.usda.gov). The publication

also includes a glossary of terms used in the text and tables and a list of references.

Bookmarks and links in the publication allow the user to navigate from one part of the

text to another. Maps showing soil lines and map unit symbols can be accessed for a

particular area of interest through Web Soil Survey. The symbols on the maps represent

the detailed soil map units in the area. These map units are listed in the bookmarks

panel of the text. Information about the map units can be accessed by clicking on the

appropriate bookmark.

The bookmarks panel of the text outlines the contents of this publication.

i

How To Use This Soil Survey
Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available online

from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

ii

National Cooperative Soil Survey

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort

of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State

agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural

Resources Conservation Service has leadership for the Federal part of the National

Cooperative Soil Survey. Significant funding towards the acceleration and completion of

this survey was contributed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration,

Land Information Board, through the State Soil Survey Initiative. This survey was made

cooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Research Division

of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin. Other

assistance was provided by the Richland County Land Conservation Department.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2001. Soil names and

descriptions were approved in 2002. Digitizing of the survey was completed by the

Madison, Wisconsin, NRCS digitizing unit in 2006. The manuscript was compiled in

2004. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in this publication refer to conditions in the

survey area in 2004. The most current official data are available on the Internet.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of these

maps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,

maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a

larger scale.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs

and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where

applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual

orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an

individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited

bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for

communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint

of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence

Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-

6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
iii

Contents

How To Use This Soil Survey .......................................................................................i

Foreword .................................................................................................................... vii

How This Survey Was Made ........................................................................................ 1

Formation and Classification of the Soils................................................................ 5

Formation of the Soils .............................................................................................. 5

Parent Material .................................................................................................... 5

Climate ................................................................................................................ 5

Living Organisms ................................................................................................. 6

Topography .......................................................................................................... 7

Time ..................................................................................................................... 7

Classification of the Soils ......................................................................................... 8

Soil Map Unit Descriptions ...................................................................................... 11

20A—Palms and Houghton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes ..................................... 12

21A—Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded ................................ 13

115C2—Seaton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................. 14

115D2—Seaton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................ 14

116C2—Churchtown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded........... 15

116D2—Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded......... 15

116E2—Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded ......... 16

117D2—Brownchurch sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 17

117E2—Brownchurch sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 17

122B2—Newhouse silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............... 18

123C2—Blackhammer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ........ 18

123D2—Blackhammer silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded ...... 19

126B—Barremills silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes .................................................. 20

132B2—Brinkman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................. 20

132C2—Brinkman silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded .............. 21

133B2—Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ...................... 21

133C2—Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................... 22

133D2—Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................. 23

134B2—Lamoille silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded................... 23

134C2—Lamoille silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................ 24

137B—Mickle silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes ....................................................... 24

137C—Mickle silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes ..................................................... 25

144B2—NewGlarus silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded .............. 26

144C2—NewGlarus silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............ 26

144D2—NewGlarus silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded .......... 27

161B2—Fivepoints silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded................ 28

161C2—Fivepoints silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............. 28

161D2—Fivepoints silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded ........... 29

163E2—Elbaville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............... 29

231D—Elevasil sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very stony .......................... 30

234C2—Basco silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................... 31
iv

234D2—Basco silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................. 31

235F—Keyesville sandy loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes ......................................... 32

253C2—Greenridge silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............ 33

254C2—Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................. 33

254D2—Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................ 34

254E2—Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................ 34

255E2—Urne fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded ........ 35

255F—Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes .......................................... 36

264C2—Rockbridge silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded............ 36

264D2—Rockbridge silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded.......... 37

270B2—Port Byron silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............... 38

270C2—Port Byron silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............. 38

284C2—Gillingham loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 39

284D2—Gillingham loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 39

293B2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ..... 40

293C2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ... 41

293D2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 41

312B2—Festina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................... 42

318A—Bearpen silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded ............................ 42

326B2—Medary silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................... 43

336A—Toddville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .................................................... 44

403A—Dakota silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ...................................................... 44

413A—Rasset sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................................................. 45

424B—Merit silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes.......................................................... 46

424D2—Merit silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................... 46

424F—Merit silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes ...................................................... 47

433B—Forkhorn sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes .............................................. 47

434B—Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes ................................................... 48

434C2—Bilson sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............... 49

435B2—Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 49

435C2—Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 50

437A—Balmoral silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes.................................................... 50

446A—Merimod silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .................................................... 51

446B2—Merimod silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded .................. 52

456A—Bilmod sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................................................. 52

502B2—Chelsea fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded ................. 53

502C2—Chelsea fine sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded ............... 54

504A—Sparta loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes ........................................... 54

506A—Komro loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes .................................................. 55

508A—Farrington loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes ............................................ 55

511C—Plainfield sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes ...................................................... 56

511F—Plainfield sand, 15 to 60 percent slopes ..................................................... 56

568A—Majik loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes ............................................. 57

572B2—Windward loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 58

572C2—Windward loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 58

576B—Tintson sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes ........................................................... 59
v

601C—Beavercreek cobbly fine sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes,

occasionally flooded ........................................................................................ 59

626A—Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ................ 60

628A—Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded....................... 61

629A—Ettrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded ......................... 61

656A—Scotah loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ........ 62

676A—Kickapoo fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ..... 63

743C2—Council fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded ...... 63

743D2—Council fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 64

743E2—Council fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately

eroded ............................................................................................................. 65

1125F—Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes ............. 65

1145F—Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes................................. 66

1155F—Brodale-Bellechester-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent

slopes .............................................................................................................. 68

1505C2—Sparta-Blownout land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ......................... 69

1648A—Northbend-Ettrick silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently

flooded ............................................................................................................. 69

1658A—Algansee-Kalmarville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently

flooded ............................................................................................................. 71

1743F—Council-Elevasil-Norden complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes ..................... 72

2002—Udorthents, earthen dams .......................................................................... 73

2003A—Riverwash, nearly level ............................................................................ 73

2013—Pits, gravel .................................................................................................. 74

2014—Pits, quarry, hard bedrock ........................................................................... 74

2030—Udorthents and Udipsamments, cut or fill................................................... 74

2050—Landfill ........................................................................................................ 75

M-W—Miscellaneous water ................................................................................... 75

W—Water............................................................................................................... 75

Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils (Table) .......................................... 76

Use and Management of the Soils .......................................................................... 79

Interpretive Ratings ................................................................................................ 79

Rating Class Terms............................................................................................ 79

Numerical Ratings ............................................................................................. 80

Crops and Pasture ................................................................................................. 80

Cropland Management Considerations ............................................................. 80

Yields per Acre .................................................................................................. 81

Land Capability Classification ............................................................................ 82

Important Farmlands ......................................................................................... 83

Windbreaks and Environmental Plantings ......................................................... 84

Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups ...................................................... 84

Forestland Management ........................................................................................ 85

Forest Habitat Types .......................................................................................... 87

Recreational Development ................................................................................... 92

Wildlife Habitat ....................................................................................................... 94

Engineering ............................................................................................................ 96

Building Site Development ................................................................................. 96

Sanitary Facilities............................................................................................... 98

Construction Materials ..................................................................................... 100

Water Management ......................................................................................... 101

Agricultural Waste Management .......................................................................... 102

Forest Habitat Types (Table) ................................................................................ 106
vi

Soil Properties ........................................................................................................ 111

Engineering Properties ........................................................................................ 111

Physical Soil Properties ....................................................................................... 112

Chemical Soil Properties...................................................................................... 114

Water Features .................................................................................................... 115

Soil Features ........................................................................................................ 116

References .............................................................................................................. 119

Glossary .................................................................................................................. 121

Issued 2006
vii

Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. They

include predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The surveys highlight soil

limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of

selected land uses on the environment.

Soil surveys are designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, and

agronomists can use the surveys to evaluate the potential of the soil and the

management needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community

officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the surveys to

plan land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to

ensure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in

recreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the

surveys to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose

special restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this publication is

intended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land

treatment decisions. Statements made in this publication are intended to help the land

users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The

landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and

regulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are

seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a

foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic

tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or

underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soil

survey. Each soil in the survey area is described, and information on specific uses is

given. Help in using this publication and additional information are available at the local

office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension

Service.

Patricia S. Leavenworth

State Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

1

How This Survey Was Made

This survey was made to provide updated information about the soils and

miscellaneous areas in the survey area (fig. 1), which is in Major Land Resource Area

105, Northern Mississippi Valley Loess Hills. Major land resource areas (MLRAs) are

geographically associated land resource units that share a common land use,

elevation, topography, climate, water, soils, and vegetation (USDA, 2006). Richland

County is a subset of MLRA 105. Map unit design is based on documentation of the

occurrence of the soils throughout the MLRA.

The information in this survey includes a brief description of the soils and

miscellaneous areas. Interpretive tables showing soil properties and the subsequent

effects on suitability, limitations, and management for specified uses are also available

for this survey area through a link to the Web Soil Survey of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service from the NRCS Soils Web site (http://soils.usda.gov). During the

fieldwork for this survey, soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of

the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and

the kinds of bedrock. They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is the

sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface

down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. The unconsolidated

material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by

other biological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area are in an orderly pattern that

is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.

Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of

landscape or segment of the landscape. By observing the soils and miscellaneous

areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the

landscape, soil scientists develop a concept, or model, of how the soils were formed.

Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientists to predict with a

Soil Survey of

Richland County, Wisconsin

By Duane T. Simonson, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Fieldwork, landscape interpretation, database development, map compilation, and

correlation by Duane Simonson, Joe Jahnke, Donna E. Ferren Guy, Phillip D. Meyer,

Matt R. Otto, and Chanc L. Vogel, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Manuscript compiled by Donna E. Ferren Guy, Natural Resources Conservation

Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,

in cooperation with the Research Division of the College of Agricultural and Life

Sciences, University of Wisconsin
2 Soil Survey of

considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific

location on the landscape.

Individual soils on the landscape commonly merge into one another as their

characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate map, however, soil

scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a

limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an

understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify

predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they observed.

The maximum depth of observation was about 80 inches (6.7 feet). Soil scientists

noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock

fragments, distribution of plant roots, soil reaction, and other features that enable them

to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their

properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).

Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil

characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for

comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic

classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of

soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil

scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the

individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that

they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and

research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally

are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret

the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics

and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different

uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils

Figure 1.—Location of Richland County in Wisconsin.
Richland County, Wisconsin 3

in different uses and under different levels of management. Interpretations are

modified as necessary to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are

developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as

research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For

example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from

farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on

such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over

long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil

scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a

zone in which the soil moisture status is wet within certain depths in most years, but

they cannot predict that this zone will always be at a specific level in the soil on a

specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the

survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and

identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,

roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.

The descriptions, names, and delineations of the soils in this survey area may not

fully agree with those of adjacent survey areas. Differences are the result of a better

knowledge of soils, modifications in series concepts, or variations in the intensity of

mapping or in the extent of the soils in the survey areas.

5

This section relates the soils in the survey area to the major factors of soil formation

and describes the system of soil classification.

Formation of the Soils

Soil is produced by the action of soil-forming processes on materials deposited or

accumulated by geologic forces. The characteristics and properties of soil in a given

area are determined by (1) the physical and mineralogical composition of the parent

material; (2) the climate under which the soil material has accumulated and existed

since accumulation; (3) the living organisms on and in the soil, mainly vegetation;

(4) relief, or topography; and (5) the length of time the forces of soil formation have

acted on the soil material. The relative effect of each of these factors is reflected in the

soil profile.

The interaction of these factors during the transformation of the parent material into

soil generates complex physical, chemical, and biological processes causing minerals

to become weathered and organic matter to accumulate. Material in suspension or in

solution moves downward through the soil to form definite layers, or horizons, in the

soil. These layers—surface layer, subsurface layer, subsoil, and substratum—are

defined in the Glossary.

In Richland County, differences in parent material, vegetation, relief, and time

account for most of the differences among the soils. Climate is fairly uniform

throughout the county.

All five factors of soil formation are interrelated. When one factor changes, changes

in the other four factors result. The following paragraphs describe the factors of soil

formation as they relate to the soils in the survey area.

Parent Material

Parent material largely determines the physical and chemical properties of the soil,

such as the capacity or ability of the soil to store water and nutrients for plants and the

rate at which water can pass through the soil.

In Richland County the soils formed in a wide variety of parent materials. The

evolution of the landscape played the major role in the resultant parent materials and

thus in the type of soils that have formed.

Climate

Climate influences soil formation by providing moisture and heat necessary for the

weathering of parent material. Water dissolves soluble materials and transfers

nutrients to the lower parts of the soil. Water also is needed to transform minerals to

clay and transfer the clay to the lower layers. Reaction, or pH, is largely influenced by

climate. Temperature affects the rate at which chemical reactions proceed. Chemical

reactions are slower at freezing than at a higher temperature. Moisture and

temperature affect the kinds of plants that grow on the soil. Further organic matter

Formation and Classification of

the Soils
6 Soil Survey of

accumulation and decomposition are influenced by moisture and temperature and by

vegetation.

The effects of climate are modified by landscape setting and parent material.

Relatively large amounts of water are available for soil-forming processes in loess on

the hill summits. Little is available for plants in outwash on the valley trains, where

much of the rainfall passes through the soil rapidly or where slopes are steep and

water runs off quickly. Climate may not remain constant throughout the development of

the soil. When drastic climate changes take place, soil-forming processes most likely

are altered and a new cycle of soil formation begins. These climate changes can

modify the time factor, as the age of the new soil development must be measured from

the beginning of the climatic change. The oldest landscapes in Richland County have

most likely seen several climatic changes and gone through several cycles of soil

formation.

Wind can affect the development of soil by adding or removing fine particles of soil

or organic matter. It affects the moisture content of soils by influencing the rate of

evaporation.

Climate can also have more localized effects. For example, north- and east-facing

slopes tend to be cooler and wetter than south- and west-facing slopes. Depressional

areas generally have cooler temperatures for a longer part of the year than summits

and slopes of hills.

Richland County has a cool, subhumid continental climate that favors the growth of

trees and the formation of leached, acid soils with a thin, dark surface layer and a clayenriched subsoil. Present climatic differences within the county are too small to have

resulted in major differences among the soils.

Climate data for the survey area, including temperature and precipitation, growing

season, and frost-free periods, are available at the USDA National Water and Climate

Center Web site (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/climate-map.html).

Living Organisms

Living organisms, both plants and animals, affect soil formation by providing organic

matter and transferring nutrients from the lower layers of the soil to the upper layers.

Plants influence the development of specific layers in the soil. Vegetation influences

the rate at which clay is transferred from the surface layer to the subsoil. Plants and

animals are related to other factors of soil formation, such as soil microclimate, parent

material, and landscape setting, all of which collectively can determine the vegetation

that grows on a soil.

At the time of settlement, forests covered most of Richland County. Mean annual

precipitation is sufficient for the growth of trees on any of the soils; however, natural

fires were common in some areas at dry times of the year and helped to maintain the

grass vegetation. Native Americans who lived in the area and used these soils also

used fire to maintain grass vegetation for ease of cultivation and for attracting game

animals. When protected from fire, these soils would follow a succession from grass

and forbs to shrubs and finally to oak and pine forest. Many areas of sandy soils along

the major rivers formed under tall grass prairie. Areas between the prairies and the

deciduous forests were called savannas.

The most striking feature of a prairie or savanna soil profile is the thick layer of

organic matter accumulation—commonly 15 inches or more—and the somewhat

darkened subsoil beneath. Prairie soils contain as much as 120 tons of organic matter

per acre, compared with 70 tons per acre for forested soils. A dense network of grass

roots fills the profile, and most of the roots extend to a depth of 5 to 7 feet. Forb roots

of various shapes and lengths are interspersed; some penetrate to a depth of 20 feet.

In contrast to forest soils, where organic matter enters the soil from the surface and

must be “plowed in” by earthworms, the organic matter deeply incorporated in prairie
Richland County, Wisconsin 7

soils comes from the roots as they decay in place. There is little contribution from litter

at the surface.

Mound-building ants play an important role in the development of prairie soils. They

mix and aerate the soil as they build their tunnels and bring up nutrients and clay

particles from the subsoil. Their activities increase the levels of potassium and

phosphorus in the topsoil.

When a prairie burns, nitrogen in the litter is oxidized and escapes from the prairie

ecosystem. Nitrogen is returned to the system through nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the

root nodules of the plentiful prairie legumes and also through free-living nitrogen-fixing

bacteria in the root zones of the prairie grasses.

It was the deep, rich prairie soils that eventually led to the nearly total conversion of

tall grass prairie to agricultural crops (Packard and Mutel, 1997).

Topography

Topography is an important factor in soil formation because it affects drainage,

aeration, and erosion.

Because topography influences runoff and drainage, it can affect the types of

vegetation present and the chemical changes on and in the soil. Soil profile

development occurs most rapidly on well drained, gentle slopes. Profile development is

very slow on steep slopes, where runoff is rapid, the rate of water infiltration is slow,

and geologic erosion removes the surface soil almost as quickly as it forms. Excessive

runoff reduces the amount of water that is available for leaching the soil and for use by

plants, and it can increase the hazard of erosion. The position of a soil on the

landscape affects the drainage class of the soil. Drainage has a distinct influence on

soil formation.

Differences in topography can account for the formation of different soils in similar

kinds of parent material.

Time

Time is needed in order for climate and plants and animals to act on the parent

material. Various soils have developed over periods of time ranging from a few years to

many thousands of years. The effect of time on soil is modified by all the other factors

of soil formation.

The length of time in which soils are exposed at the surface is a modifying factor in

soil formation. Soils can be no older than the age of the landscape surface upon which

they form (Ruhe, 1975). Not all the soils that form the surface of the landscape in

Richland County are the same age. Landscapes erode back from their base level

along streams and rivers to near the landscape summit. The summit remains stable,

little affected by erosive forces. Where carbonates were present in the loess, they are

typically deeply leached, and the soils are well developed and are relatively older than

the soils downslope. Downslope erosion over long periods of time has exposed fresh

material. Another factor modifying the effects of time is the rate at which parent

material can be transformed into soils. The small particles in loess, for example,

weather relatively rapidly. On the other hand, the larger particles in sandstone bedrock

and in outwash on valley trains have a high proportion of slowly weatherable minerals,

such as quartz, and are transformed very slowly into soils that have distinct layers.

Landscape setting modifies the time factor because rainfall runs rapidly off steep

slopes. Only a small amount of water enters the soil to form clay or leach carbonates

and other soluble material.

The effects of time are also modified by the effects of climate. The soils of Richland

County formed in a climate that has varied during their formation. During the early

stages of soil formation, the climate was cold because of the proximity to glacial ice to
8 Soil Survey of

the west, north, and east. The early vegetation consisted of conifers followed briefly by

oaks. These species were short lived following the retreat of glacial ice northward. The

ensuing climate was warmer and drier and caused prairie plants to migrate eastward

(Borchart, 1950).

About 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, the climate became cooler and more moist. The big

woods spread westward once again. Aspect and topography were also factors in the

expansion of the woodland. Timber probably became established first on the sheltered

north- and east-facing footslopes. Trees may have even persisted here during the

eastward migration of the prairie. From these sheltered sites, timber spread out onto

the silty and loamy terraces and upward onto the ridgetops. Except for broad sandy

areas along major rivers, the landscape at the time of settlement was covered with

woodland.

The character of the soils encroached upon by woodland changed in response to

processes generated by the timber. Forests produce little organic material, most of

which accumulates on the soil surface. In contrast, the prairie soils build up large

amounts of organic matter and form a thick dark surface layer.

The organic material produced by the decay of leaves, limbs, and trunks is more

acid than that produced by prairie vegetation. The strong acids formed by water

percolating through the surface litter and into the soil increased the mobility of clay,

organic matter, and oxides and allowed them to be leached away or to accumulate in

the subsoil. The dark surface layer of soils that had previously formed under prairie

vegetation gradually became thinner. As clay and organic matter were removed, a thin

bleached subsurface layer began to form just below the thinning surface layer. Clay

and organic matter accumulated as thin waxy films on blocky peds in the subsoil and

along cracks and pores formerly occupied by roots. Fully developed forest soils have a

black or very dark brown surface layer 2 to 4 inches thick; an ashy, grayish subsurface

layer that is low in clay and organic matter and is 5 to 10 inches thick; and a subsoil

with structural development and clay and organic matter on blocky structural surfaces.

When the land was cleared and cultivated, the thin surface and subsurface layers were

commonly lost to erosion, and in many places tillage mixed the remaining upper layers

with material from the upper part of the subsoil.

Some soils reflect the influence of both prairie and woodland because prairie did not

persist long enough to alter the woodland soils completely.

Assuming all other factors are equal, soils form more rapidly in warmer, more humid

conditions than those of the present climate affecting Richland County. Soils are frozen

to some depth, and the soil-forming process is drastically reduced for much of the year

in this cool, subhumid continental climate.

Classification of the Soils

The system of soil classification used by the National Cooperative Soil Survey has

six categories (Soil Survey Staff, 1999 and 2003). Beginning with the broadest, these

categories are the order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and series.

Classification is based on soil properties observed in the field or inferred from those

observations or from laboratory measurements.

ORDER. Twelve soil orders are recognized. The differences among orders reflect

the dominant soil-forming processes and the degree of soil formation. Each order is

identified by a word ending in sol. An example is Mollisol.

SUBORDER. Each order is divided into suborders primarily on the basis of

properties that influence soil genesis and are important to plant growth or properties

that reflect the most important variables within the orders. The last syllable in the name

of a suborder indicates the order. An example is Aquoll (Aqu, meaning water, plus oll,

from Mollisol).
Richland County, Wisconsin 9

GREAT GROUP. Each suborder is divided into great groups on the basis of close

similarities in kind, arrangement, and degree of development of pedogenic horizons;

soil moisture and temperature regimes; and base status. Each great group is identified

by the name of a suborder and by a prefix that indicates a property of the soil. An

example is Endoaquolls (Endo, meaning within, plus aquolls, the suborder of the

Mollisols that has an aquic moisture regime).

SUBGROUP. Each great group has a typic subgroup. Other subgroups are

intergrades or extragrades. The typic is the central concept of the great group; it is not

necessarily the most extensive. Intergrades are transitions to other orders, suborders,

or great groups. Extragrades have some properties that are not representative of the

great group but do not indicate transitions to any other known kind of soil. Each

subgroup is identified by one or more adjectives preceding the name of the great

group. The adjective Typic identifies the subgroup that typifies the great group. An

example is Typic Endoaquolls.

FAMILY. Families are established within a subgroup on the basis of physical and

chemical properties and other characteristics that affect management. Generally, the

properties are those of horizons below plow depth where there is much biological

activity. Among the properties and characteristics considered are particle-size class,

mineralogy class, cation-exchange activity class, soil temperature regime, soil depth,

and reaction class. A family name consists of the name of a subgroup preceded by

terms that indicate soil properties. An example is fine-loamy, mixed, active, mesic Typic

Endoaquolls.

SERIES. The series consists of soils that have similar horizons in their profile. The

horizons are similar in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistence, mineral and

chemical composition, and arrangement in the profile. The texture of the surface layer

or of the substratum can differ within a series.

The Official Series Descriptions (OSDs) provide the most current information about

the series mapped in Richland County. These descriptions are available on the Web at

http://soils.usda.gov.

11

The map units delineated on the soil maps for this survey area represent the soils

or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. These soils or miscellaneous areas are

listed as individual components in the map unit descriptions. The map unit

descriptions in this section, along with the maps, can be used to determine the

suitability and potential of a unit for specific uses. They also can be used to plan the

management needed for those uses. More information about each map unit is

provided in various tables, which are accessible from the Soil Data Explorer/Soil

Reports tab in Web Soil Survey. Web Soil Survey can be accessed from the NRCS

Soils Web site (http://soils.usda.gov).

A map unit delineation on the soil maps represents an area on the landscape. It is

identified by differences in the properties and taxonomic classification of components

and by the percentage of each component in the map unit.

Components that are dissimilar, or contrasting, are identified in the map unit

description. Dissimilar components are those that have properties and behavioral

characteristics divergent enough from those of the major components to affect use or

to require different management. They generally are in small areas and could not be

mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly

contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the

maps.

Components that are similar to the major components (noncontrasting) are not

identified in the map unit description. Similar components are those that have

properties and behavioral characteristics similar enough to those of the major

components that they do not affect use or require different management.

The presence of multiple components in a map unit in no way diminishes the

usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure

taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into segments that have

similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such landscape

segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource

plans, but if intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to

define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol is used for each map unit on the soil maps. This symbol

precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes

general information about the unit. The map unit descriptions include representative

values in feet and the months in which a wet zone (a zone in which the soil moisture

status is wet) is highest and lowest in the soil profile and ponding is shallowest and

deepest on the soil surface. The descriptions also include the frequency of flooding (if

it occurs) and the months in which flooding is most frequent and least frequent. The

“Water Features” report provides a complete display of this data for every month of the

year. The available water capacity given in each map unit description is calculated for

all horizons in the upper 60 inches of the soil profile. The organic matter content

displayed in each map unit description is calculated for all horizons in the upper 10

inches of the soil profile, except those that represent the surface duff layer on forested

soils. The “Physical Soil Properties” report provides a complete display of available

water capacity and organic matter content by horizon.

Soil Map Unit Descriptions
12 Soil Survey of

Some of the principal hazards and limitations to be considered in planning for

specific uses are described in other sections of this survey.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for

differences in texture of the surface layer or of the underlying layers, all the soils of a

series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and

arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer or of the underlying

layers. They also can differ in slope, stoniness, salinity, wetness, degree of erosion,

and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such differences, a soil

series is divided into soil phases. The name of a soil phase commonly indicates a

feature that affects use or management.

A map unit is named for the component or components that make up a dominant

percentage of the map unit. Many map units consist of one dominant component.

These map units are consociations.

Some map units are made up of two or more dominant components. These map

units are complexes or undifferentiated groups.

A complex consists of two or more components in such an intricate pattern or in

such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. Attempting to

delineate the individual components of a complex would result in excessive clutter that

could make the map illegible. The pattern and proportion of the components in a

complex are somewhat similar in all areas.

An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more components that could be

mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar interpretations can

be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of the components in a

mapped area are not uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the dominant

components, or it can be made up of all of them.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material

and support little or no vegetation.

The table “Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils” provides a complete

listing of the detailed soil map units in Richland County. The Glossary defines many of

the terms used in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas.

20A—Palms and Houghton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes

Component Description

Palms and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 90 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Depressions on stream terraces

Slope range: 0 to 1 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Muck

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Very poorly drained

Parent material: Organic material over loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (January, February, March, April, May,

October, November, December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 1.0 foot (August)

Shallowest ponding: 0.3 foot (January, February, June, July, August, September,

December)

Deepest ponding: 0.5 foot (March, April, May, October, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 19.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 55.0 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 13

Typical profile:

Oa—0 to 40 inches; muck

Cg—40 to 60 inches; silt loam

Houghton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 90 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Depressions on stream terraces

Slope range: 0 to 1 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Muck

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Very poorly drained

Parent material: Organic material

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (January, February, March, April, May,

June, July, September, October, November, December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 0.5 foot (August)

Shallowest ponding: 0.5 foot (January, February, July, August, December)

Deepest ponding: 1.0 foot (March, April, May, June, September, October, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 24.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 55.0 percent

Typical profile:

Oa—0 to 22 inches; muck

Oe—22 to 28 inches; mucky peat

O ́a—28 to 60 inches; muck

Minor Dissimilar Components

Palms, drained, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 10 percent of the unit

Water

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

21A—Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently

flooded

Component Description

Palms and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Backswamps on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 1 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Muck

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Very poorly drained

Parent material: Organic material over loamy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, February, July, August,

October, November, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May, June)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (January, February, March, April, May,

October, November, December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 1.0 foot (August)
14 Soil Survey of

Shallowest ponding: 0.3 foot (January, February, June, July, August, September,

December)

Deepest ponding: 0.5 foot (March, April, May, October, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 19.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 55.0 percent

Typical profile:

Oa—0 to 40 inches; muck

Cg—40 to 60 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Kalmarville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Water

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

115C2—Seaton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

BE—8 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 55 inches; silt loam

BC—55 to 80 inches; silt loam

115D2—Seaton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 15

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

BE—8 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 55 inches; silt loam

BC—55 to 80 inches; silt loam

116C2—Churchtown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 63 inches; silt loam

2BC—63 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

116D2—Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes
16 Soil Survey of

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 63 inches; silt loam

2BC—63 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Beavercreek and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 4 percent of the unit

116E2—Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 63 inches; silt loam

2BC—63 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 17

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Beavercreek and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 4 percent of the unit

117D2—Brownchurch sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over silty slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 10.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 6 inches; sandy loam

Bt—6 to 30 inches; sandy loam

2Bt—30 to 62 inches; silt loam

2BC—62 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

117E2—Brownchurch sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over silty slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 10.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent
18 Soil Survey of

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 6 inches; sandy loam

Bt—6 to 30 inches; sandy loam

2Bt—30 to 62 inches; silt loam

2BC—62 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Gaphill and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rockbluff and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

122B2—Newhouse silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Newhouse and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 9.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 25 inches; silt loam

2Bt—25 to 60 inches; stratified channery fine sandy loam to clay loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Blackhammer and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

123C2—Blackhammer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Blackhammer and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 19

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 9.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 60 inches; stratified channery fine sandy loam to clay loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Newhouse and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

123D2—Blackhammer silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Blackhammer and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 9.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 60 inches; stratified channery fine sandy loam to clay loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Newhouse and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
20 Soil Survey of

126B—Barremills silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Barremills and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty slope alluvium over loess

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.5 feet (May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 13.1 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap,A,AB—0 to 27 inches; silt loam

Bt—27 to 65 inches; silt loam

BC—65 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Toddville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Arenzville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

132B2—Brinkman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.5 feet (May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam
Richland County, Wisconsin 21

Bt—9 to 71 inches; silt loam

2Bt—71 to 80 inches; clay

Minor Dissimilar Components

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Mt. Carroll and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

132C2—Brinkman silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.5 feet (May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.9 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 71 inches; silt loam

2Bt—71 to 80 inches; clay

Minor Dissimilar Components

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Mt. Carroll and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

133B2—Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent
22 Soil Survey of

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 22 inches; silt loam

2Bt—22 to 60 inches; clay

Minor Dissimilar Components

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

133C2—Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes and shoulders

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 22 inches; silt loam

2Bt—22 to 60 inches; clay

Minor Dissimilar Components

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 23

133D2—Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 22 inches; silt loam

2Bt—22 to 60 inches; clay

Minor Dissimilar Components

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

134B2—Lamoille silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 100 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

E,BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam
24 Soil Survey of

2Bt—13 to 27 inches; clay

3Bt—27 to 37 inches; very cobbly clay loam

3C—37 to 60 inches; very cobbly loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

134C2—Lamoille silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes and shoulders

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 100 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

E,BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam

2Bt—13 to 27 inches; clay

3Bt—27 to 37 inches; very cobbly clay loam

3C—37 to 60 inches; very cobbly loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

137B—Mickle silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Mickle and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty slope alluvium

Flooding: None
Richland County, Wisconsin 25

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.5 feet (May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 12 inches; silt loam

BE—12 to 18 inches; silt loam

Bt—18 to 65 inches; silt loam

BC—65 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Blackhammer and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

137C—Mickle silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes

Component Description

Mickle and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.5 feet (May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 12 inches; silt loam

BE—12 to 18 inches; silt loam

Bt—18 to 65 inches; silt loam

BC—65 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Blackhammer and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
26 Soil Survey of

144B2—NewGlarus silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 23 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt—23 to 35 inches; clay

3Bt—35 to 45 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—45 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Pepin and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

144C2—NewGlarus silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.4 inches
Richland County, Wisconsin 27

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 23 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt—23 to 35 inches; clay

3Bt—35 to 45 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—45 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Pepin and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

144D2—NewGlarus silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

BE—9 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 23 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt—23 to 35 inches; clay

3Bt—35 to 45 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—45 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Pepin and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Brinkman and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
28 Soil Survey of

161B2—Fivepoints silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 2.9 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

Bt1—7 to 10 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt2—10 to 19 inches; clay

3Bt3—19 to 35 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—35 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

161C2—Fivepoints silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 2.9 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

Bt1—7 to 10 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt2—10 to 19 inches; clay
Richland County, Wisconsin 29

3Bt3—19 to 35 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—35 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

161D2—Fivepoints silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 2.9 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

Bt1—7 to 10 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt2—10 to 19 inches; clay

3Bt3—19 to 35 inches; very channery loam

3Rt—35 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

NewGlarus and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Lamoille and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Dorerton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Elbaville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

163E2—Elbaville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Elbaville and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes and shoulders
30 Soil Survey of

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy and clayey colluvium over loamy and sandy

residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.1 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

E—8 to 11 inches; silt loam

B/E,Bt—11 to 21 inches; silt loam

2Bt—21 to 26 inches; silty clay

3Bt—26 to 37 inches; very flaggy silty clay loam

3C—37 to 60 inches; extremely flaggy sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Dorerton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Valton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

231D—Elevasil sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very

stony

Component Description

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.0 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 4 inches; sandy loam

Bt—4 to 27 inches; sandy loam

2BC—27 to 31 inches; loamy sand

2C—31 to 39 inches; sand

2Cr—39 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock
Richland County, Wisconsin 31

Minor Dissimilar Components

Boone and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Hixton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

234C2—Basco silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Basco and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits and shoulders

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

BE—7 to 11 inches; silt loam

Bt—11 to 16 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt—16 to 33 inches; clay

3C—33 to 36 inches; loamy sand

3Cr—36 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Keyesville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

234D2—Basco silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Basco and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)
32 Soil Survey of

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over clayey pedisediment over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

BE—7 to 11 inches; silt loam

Bt—11 to 16 inches; silty clay loam

2Bt—16 to 33 inches; clay

3C—33 to 36 inches; loamy sand

3Cr—36 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Fivepoints and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Keyesville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

235F—Keyesville sandy loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes

Component Description

Keyesville and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 20 to 65 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 2.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 3.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.9 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 4 inches; sandy loam

Bw1—4 to 18 inches; channery sandy loam

2Bw2—18 to 24 inches; very channery loamy sand

2Cr—24 to 40 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Basco and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 33

253C2—Greenridge silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Greenridge and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and summits

Slope range: 4 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 45 to 80 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 50 inches; silt loam

2Bt—50 to 69 inches; fine sandy loam

2Cr—69 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

254C2—Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.1 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

Bt—8 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 37 inches; fine sandy loam

2Cr—37 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock
34 Soil Survey of

Minor Dissimilar Components

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Greenridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rockbridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

254D2—Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.1 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

Bt—8 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 37 inches; fine sandy loam

2Cr—37 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Greenridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Rockbridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

254E2—Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 35

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.1 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

Bt—8 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 37 inches; fine sandy loam

2Cr—37 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Greenridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

255E2—Urne fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; fine sandy loam

Bw1,Bw2—9 to 28 inches; fine sandy loam

Bw3—28 to 36 inches; fine sandy loam

Cr—36 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
36 Soil Survey of

Council and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Urne soils that are shallow

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

255F—Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes

Component Description

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 45 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 2 inches; fine sandy loam

Bw1,Bw2—2 to 28 inches; fine sandy loam

Bw3—28 to 36 inches; fine sandy loam

Cr—36 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rockbluff and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Council and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Urne soils that are shallow

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

264C2—Rockbridge silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Rockbridge and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (paralithic)
Richland County, Wisconsin 37

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.8 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 6 inches; silt loam

E—6 to 8 inches; silt loam

Bt—8 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 35 inches; very gravelly silty clay loam

2BC—35 to 62 inches; very gravelly sandy loam

3C—62 to 70 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—70 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Greenridge and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

264D2—Rockbridge silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Rockbridge and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over pedisediment over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.8 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 6 inches; silt loam

E—6 to 8 inches; silt loam

Bt—8 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 35 inches; very gravelly silty clay loam

2BC—35 to 62 inches; very gravelly sandy loam

3C—62 to 70 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—70 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
38 Soil Survey of

Urne and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

270B2—Port Byron silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Port Byron and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Summits

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; silt loam

AB—11 to 14 inches; silt loam

Bt1,Bt2—14 to 32 inches; silt loam

Bt3,Bt4—32 to 62 inches; silt loam

BC—62 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Barremills and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

270C2—Port Byron silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Port Byron and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 39

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; silt loam

AB—11 to 14 inches; silt loam

Bt1,Bt2—14 to 32 inches; silt loam

Bt3,Bt4—32 to 62 inches; silt loam

BC—62 to 80 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Barremills and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

284C2—Gillingham loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Gillingham and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes and shoulders

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Eolian sands over loamy slope alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.3 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—8 to 29 inches; loamy fine sand

2Bt1—29 to 42 inches; fine sandy loam

3Bt2—42 to 50 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Windward and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

284D2—Gillingham loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Gillingham and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent
40 Soil Survey of

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Eolian sands over loamy slope alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.3 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—8 to 29 inches; loamy fine sand

2Bt1—29 to 42 inches; fine sandy loam

3Bt2—42 to 50 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Windward and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

293B2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Strath terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash over loamy alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; loamy fine sand

E—9 to 16 inches; loamy fine sand

E and Bt—16 to 32 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand

2Bt—32 to 40 inches; gravelly sandy loam

3Bt—40 to 50 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 41

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

293C2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Scarps on strath terraces

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash over loamy alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; loamy fine sand

E—9 to 16 inches; loamy fine sand

E and Bt—16 to 32 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand

2Bt—32 to 40 inches; gravelly sandy loam

3Bt—40 to 50 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

293D2—Muscoda loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Scarps on strath terraces

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash over loamy alluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.4 percent
42 Soil Survey of

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; loamy fine sand

E—9 to 16 inches; loamy fine sand

E and Bt—16 to 32 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand

2Bt—32 to 40 inches; gravelly sandy loam

3Bt—40 to 50 inches; fine sandy loam

3Cr—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

312B2—Festina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Festina and similar soils

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.6 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

E—7 to 12 inches; silt loam

BE,Bt—12 to 38 inches; silt loam

BC,C—38 to 68 inches; silt loam

318A—Bearpen silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely

flooded

Component Description

Bearpen and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over silty to sandy slackwater deposits
Richland County, Wisconsin 43

Months in which flooding does not occur: January, February, November, December

Highest frequency of flooding: Rare (March, April, May, June, July, August, September,

October)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (March, April, May, June, October, November,

December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, July, August,

September)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 18 inches; silt loam

Bt—18 to 41 inches; silt loam

2Bt—41 to 50 inches; stratified silty clay loam to sandy loam

2C—50 to 60 inches; stratified silty clay loam to sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Toddville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Orion and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

326B2—Medary silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Medary and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Loess and silty alluvium over stratified silty to clayey slackwater

deposits

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (May, October)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, July, August,

September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 9.9 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

BE—7 to 14 inches; silt loam

2Bt—14 to 30 inches; stratified clay to silty clay loam

2C—30 to 60 inches; stratified clay to silt loam
44 Soil Survey of

Minor Dissimilar Components

Festina and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Bearpen and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

336A—Toddville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Toddville and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (March, April, May, October, November,

December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, June, July, August,

September)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 10.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap,AB—0 to 20 inches; silt loam

Bt—20 to 41 inches; silt loam

2Bt—41 to 50 inches; stratified silt loam to sandy loam

C—50 to 60 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bearpen and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

403A—Dakota silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Dakota and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None
Richland County, Wisconsin 45

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 10 inches; silt loam

AB—10 to 13 inches; silt loam

Bt—13 to 35 inches; silt loam

2Bt—35 to 38 inches; loamy sand

2C—38 to 60 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Rasset and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Dakota soils that have a loamy substratum

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

413A—Rasset sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Rasset and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium over sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.9 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 10 inches; sandy loam

A,AB—10 to 18 inches; sandy loam

Bt—18 to 30 inches; sandy loam

2Bt,2BC—30 to 50 inches; loamy sand

2C—50 to 60 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Dakota and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Burkhardt and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Finchford and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rasset soils that have a loamy substratum

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
46 Soil Survey of

Sparta and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

424B—Merit silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Merit and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 12 inches; silt loam

2Bt—12 to 30 inches; loam

3C—30 to 60 inches; stratified sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

424D2—Merit silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Merit and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Risers

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 47

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 12 inches; silt loam

2Bt—12 to 30 inches; loam

3C—30 to 60 inches; stratified sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 5 to 15 percent of the unit

424F—Merit silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes

Component Description

Merit and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Risers

Slope range: 20 to 45 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 3 inches; silt loam

Bt—3 to 12 inches; silt loam

2Bt—12 to 30 inches; loam

3C—30 to 60 inches; stratified sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Seep areas

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

433B—Forkhorn sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Forkhorn and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium over sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None
48 Soil Survey of

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; sandy loam

Bt—9 to 25 inches; sandy loam

2Bt—25 to 32 inches; gravelly loamy sand

2BC,2C—32 to 72 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Rusktown and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Plainfield and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Silverhill and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

434B—Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; sandy loam

Bt—8 to 32 inches; sandy loam

2C1—32 to 38 inches; stratified sand to loamy sand

2C2—38 to 60 inches; stratified sand to sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 7 percent of the unit

Gosil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 3 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 49

434C2—Bilson sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Pediments

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; sandy loam

Bt—8 to 32 inches; sandy loam

2C1—32 to 38 inches; stratified sand to loamy sand

2C2—38 to 60 inches; stratified sand to sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Gosil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

435B2—Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Strath terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over loamy alluvium over sandy outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; silt loam

BE—11 to 14 inches; silt loam
50 Soil Survey of

Bt—14 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 52 inches; very gravelly loam

3BC—52 to 60 inches; stratified very gravelly coarse sand to gravelly loamy sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Balmoral and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

435C2—Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Scarps on strath terraces

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over loamy alluvium over sandy outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; silt loam

BE—11 to 14 inches; silt loam

Bt—14 to 26 inches; silt loam

2Bt—26 to 52 inches; very gravelly loam

3BC—52 to 60 inches; stratified very gravelly coarse sand to gravelly loamy sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Balmoral and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

437A—Balmoral silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Balmoral and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways on strath terraces

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over loamy alluvium over sandy outwash
Richland County, Wisconsin 51

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 2.0 feet (April, May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.2 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 16 inches; silt loam

BE—16 to 20 inches; silt loam

Bt—20 to 46 inches; silt loam

2Bt—46 to 66 inches; gravelly loam

3BC—66 to 70 inches; stratified very gravelly coarse sand to gravelly loamy sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Nuxmaruhanixete and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 15 percent of the unit

Muscoda and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

446A—Merimod silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, October, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 17 inches; silt loam

2Bt—17 to 32 inches; loam

3C1—32 to 52 inches; stratified sand to loamy sand

3C2—52 to 60 inches; stratified sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Merit and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
52 Soil Survey of

Toddville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

446B2—Merimod silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Risers

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, October, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.4 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; silt loam

Bt—9 to 17 inches; silt loam

2Bt—17 to 32 inches; loam

3C1—32 to 52 inches; stratified sand to loamy sand

3C2—52 to 60 inches; stratified sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Merit and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Toddville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

456A—Bilmod sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Stream terraces

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium over sandy and loamy alluvium
Richland County, Wisconsin 53

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, October, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, March, June, July,

August, September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.3 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; sandy loam

Bt—9 to 24 inches; sandy loam

2BC—24 to 32 inches; loamy sand

2C1—32 to 46 inches; stratified sand to loamy sand

2C2—46 to 60 inches; stratified sand to sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Merimod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

502B2—Chelsea fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Dunes on valley trains

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Eolian sands

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; fine sand

Bw—9 to 30 inches; fine sand

E and Bt—30 to 80 inches; stratified fine sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Finchford and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Rasset and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Sparta and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit
54 Soil Survey of

502C2—Chelsea fine sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Dunes on valley trains

Slope range: 6 to 15 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Eolian sands

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; fine sand

Bw—9 to 30 inches; fine sand

E and Bt—30 to 80 inches; stratified fine sand to fine sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Finchford and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Sparta and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

504A—Sparta loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Sparta and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; loamy fine sand

AB—11 to 15 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—15 to 72 inches; fine sand

E and Bt—72 to 80 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand
Richland County, Wisconsin 55

Minor Dissimilar Components

Rasset and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

506A—Komro loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Komro and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, June, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 5.5 feet (August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap,A—0 to 14 inches; loamy sand

AB—14 to 18 inches; sand

Bw—18 to 38 inches; sand

C—38 to 72 inches; stratified sand to very gravelly coarse sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Farrington and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 10 percent of the unit

Finchford and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Komro soils that have a loamy substratum

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

508A—Farrington loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Farrington and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash
56 Soil Survey of

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (April, May, June)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (July, August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.2 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap,A—0 to 14 inches; loamy sand

AB—14 to 18 inches; loamy sand

Bw—18 to 41 inches; loamy sand

C—41 to 72 inches; coarse sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Komro and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 10 percent of the unit

Newson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

511C—Plainfield sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes

Component Description

Plainfield and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Risers

Slope range: 6 to 15 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 3.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; sand

Bw—9 to 32 inches; sand

C—32 to 80 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Boplain and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

511F—Plainfield sand, 15 to 60 percent slopes

Component Description

Plainfield and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Risers
Richland County, Wisconsin 57

Slope range: 15 to 60 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy and gravelly outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 4 inches; sand

Bw—4 to 32 inches; sand

C—32 to 80 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Boplain and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Seep areas

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

568A—Majik loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes

Component Description

Majik and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Depressions on stream terraces

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Sandy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (April, May, June)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (July, August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.6 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 4 inches; loamy fine sand

E—4 to 7 inches; sand

Bw,BC—7 to 29 inches; loamy fine sand

C—29 to 60 inches; fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Tint and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Newlang and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
58 Soil Survey of

572B2—Windward loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Windward and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Toeslopes

Slope range: 2 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained

Parent material: Eolian sands

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—9 to 30 inches; loamy fine sand

E and Bt—30 to 46 inches; stratified fine sand to fine sandy loam

C—46 to 80 inches; fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Gillingham and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

572C2—Windward loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent

slopes, moderately eroded

Component Description

Windward and similar soils

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained

Parent material: Eolian sands

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 0.7 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 9 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—9 to 30 inches; loamy fine sand
Richland County, Wisconsin 59

E and Bt—30 to 46 inches; stratified fine sand to fine sandy loam

C—46 to 80 inches; fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Gillingham and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Bilson and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

576B—Tintson sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes

Component Description

Tintson and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Pediments

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 1 to 6 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Sandy alluvium over loamy alluvium

Flooding: None

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (May, October)

Deepest depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet (January, February, July, August,

September, December)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.1 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; sand

Bw,BC,C—8 to 46 inches; sand

2C—46 to 60 inches; stratified silt loam to sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Gosil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Bilmod and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Majik and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

601C—Beavercreek cobbly fine sandy loam, 3 to 12

percent slopes, occasionally flooded

Component Description

Beavercreek and similar soils

Extent: 95 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans

Slope range: 3 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Cobbly fine sandy loam
60 Soil Survey of

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Cobbly loamy alluvium and colluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, February, June, July, August,

September, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May, October, November)

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.1 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 5 inches; cobbly fine sandy loam

C1—5 to 12 inches; stratified cobbly fine sandy loam to silt loam

2C2—12 to 60 inches; stratified very cobbly silt loam to extremely gravelly sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Arenzville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

626A—Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes,

occasionally flooded

Component Description

Arenzville and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways on stream terraces

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, February, July, August,

September, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May, June, October,

November)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, June, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 5.5 feet (August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 10 inches; silt loam

C—10 to 25 inches; silt loam

Ab—25 to 40 inches; silt loam

C ́—40 to 60 inches; stratified silt loam to very fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Soils that are not subject to flooding

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Orion and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 61

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 2 percent of the unit

Arenzville, loamy-skeletal substratum, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

628A—Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally

flooded

Component Description

Orion and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways on stream terraces

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, February, July, August,

September, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May, June, October,

November)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (April, May, June)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (July, August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 12.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 8 inches; silt loam

C—8 to 32 inches; silt loam

Ab—32 to 40 inches; silt loam

Cg—40 to 60 inches; stratified silt loam to very fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Arenzville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Soils that are not subject to flooding

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Orion, loamy-skeletal substratum, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

629A—Ettrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently

flooded

Component Description

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways on stream terraces
62 Soil Survey of

Slope range: 0 to 2 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Poorly drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (March, April, May, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 2.0 feet (August)

Shallowest ponding: 0.3 foot (January, February, June, July, August, September,

October, December)

Deepest ponding: 0.5 foot (March, April, May, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 14.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 8.0 percent

Typical profile:

Ap,A—0 to 16 inches; silt loam

Bg—16 to 35 inches; silt loam

Cg—35 to 60 inches; stratified silt loam to fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Orion and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Palms and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Ettrick, drained, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

656A—Scotah loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes,

occasionally flooded

Component Description

Scotah and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Natural levees and flats on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Sandy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Very rare (January, August, September,

October, November, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, June, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 5.5 feet (August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.1 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 4 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—4 to 22 inches; fine sand

C—22 to 60 inches; stratified loamy fine sand to gravelly coarse sand
Richland County, Wisconsin 63

Minor Dissimilar Components

Algansee and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Soils that are not subject to flooding

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Kalmarville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

676A—Kickapoo fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes,

occasionally flooded

Component Description

Kickapoo and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Moderately well drained

Parent material: Loamy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Rare (January, February, July, August,

September, December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Occasional (March, April, May, June, October,

November)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 4.0 feet (April, May, June, November)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 5.5 feet (August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.5 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 5 inches; fine sandy loam

C—5 to 36 inches; stratified gravelly sand to silt

Ab—36 to 41 inches; silt loam

C ́—41 to 60 inches; stratified gravelly loamy sand to silt

Minor Dissimilar Components

Kickapoo soils that are not subject to flooding

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Beavercreek and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 4 percent of the unit

743C2—Council fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Council and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes
64 Soil Survey of

Slope range: 6 to 12 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; fine sandy loam

Bt—7 to 45 inches; loam

C—45 to 60 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

743D2—Council fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Council and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 12 to 20 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; fine sandy loam

Bt—7 to 45 inches; loam

C—45 to 60 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 65

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

743E2—Council fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes,

moderately eroded

Component Description

Council and similar soils

Extent: 85 to 95 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Footslopes

Slope range: 20 to 30 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 7 inches; fine sandy loam

Bt—7 to 45 inches; loam

C—45 to 60 inches; silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 8 percent of the unit

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

1125F—Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60

percent slopes

Component Description

Dorerton and similar soils

Extent: 55 to 65 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 60 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 45 to 70 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy colluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None
66 Soil Survey of

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 3 inches; loam

E—3 to 15 inches; loam

BE,Bt—15 to 18 inches; loam

2Bt—18 to 30 inches; very channery clay loam

2C—30 to 60 inches; extremely flaggy loamy sand

Elbaville and similar soils

Extent: 20 to 30 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders

Slope range: 30 to 45 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 60 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy and clayey colluvium over loamy and sandy

residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 5.0 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 7.5 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.5 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 5 inches; silt loam

E—5 to 11 inches; silt loam

B/E,Bt—11 to 21 inches; silt loam

2Bt—21 to 26 inches; silty clay

3Bt—26 to 37 inches; very flaggy silty clay loam

3C—37 to 60 inches; extremely flaggy sandy loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Dorerton soils that are not stony

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Gaphill and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rockbluff and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

1145F—Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent

slopes

Component Description

Gaphill and similar soils

Extent: 45 to 55 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes and shoulders

Slope range: 30 to 60 percent
Richland County, Wisconsin 67

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 80 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy colluvium and/or loamy slope alluvium over sandy colluvium

and/or sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.7 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.2 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 2 inches; moderately decomposed plant material

A—2 to 5 inches; sandy loam

E—5 to 11 inches; sandy loam

Bt—11 to 32 inches; sandy loam

2BC—32 to 50 inches; sand

2C—50 to 56 inches; sand

2Cr—56 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Rockbluff and similar soils

Extent: 30 to 40 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 60 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 80 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy colluvium and/or sandy slope alluvium over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.3 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.5 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 2 inches; moderately decomposed plant material

A—2 to 4 inches; loamy sand

E—4 to 9 inches; loamy sand

Bw—9 to 35 inches; sand

C—35 to 52 inches; sand

Cr—52 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Gaphill, very stony, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Dorerton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Brownchurch and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rock outcrop

Extent: 0 to 3 percent of the unit
68 Soil Survey of

1155F—Brodale-Bellechester-Rock outcrop complex, 60

to 90 percent slopes

Component Description

Brodale and similar soils

Extent: 30 to 50 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders and backslopes

Slope range: 60 to 80 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Very flaggy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 80 inches to bedrock (lithic)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Loamy colluvium over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 4.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 3.6 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 3.2 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 6 inches; very flaggy loam

C—6 to 50 inches; very flaggy very fine sandy loam

R—50 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Bellechester and similar soils

Extent: 20 to 40 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 60 to 90 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sand

Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 70 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy colluvium over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.5 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 3.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.5 percent

Typical profile:

A1—0 to 7 inches; sand

A2,BA—7 to 23 inches; sand

Bw,BC—23 to 42 inches; sand

Cr—42 to 80 inches; weathered bedrock

Rock outcrop

Extent: 10 to 20 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Shoulders

Slope range: 60 to 90 percent

Flooding: None

Minor Dissimilar Components

Bellechester, very stony, and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 15 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 69

Churchtown and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Talus slopes

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

1505C2—Sparta-Blownout land complex, 0 to 15 percent

slopes

Component Description

Sparta and similar soils

Extent: 45 to 60 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Valley trains

Geomorphic component: Treads

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loamy fine sand

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.0 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Ap—0 to 11 inches; loamy fine sand

AB—11 to 15 inches; loamy fine sand

Bw—15 to 72 inches; fine sand

E and Bt—72 to 80 inches; stratified sand to loamy fine sand

Blownout land

Extent: 40 to 60 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Blowouts on valley trains

Slope range: 6 to 15 percent

Drainage class: Excessively drained

Parent material: Sandy outwash

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Minor Dissimilar Components

Chelsea and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 10 percent of the unit

Rasset and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

1648A—Northbend-Ettrick silt loams, 0 to 3 percent

slopes, frequently flooded

Component Description

Northbend and similar soils

Extent: 55 to 65 percent of the unit
70 Soil Survey of

Geomorphic setting: Flats on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Silty and loamy alluvium over sandy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Very rare (January, February, August,

December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May, June)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (April, May, June)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (July, August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 5.9 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 7 inches; silt loam

Bw—7 to 34 inches; silt loam

2BC—34 to 36 inches; loamy fine sand

2C—36 to 60 inches; sand

Ettrick and similar soils

Extent: 25 to 35 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways and depressions on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 1 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Poorly drained

Parent material: Silty alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Very rare (January, February, August,

December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May, June)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (January, February, March, April, May,

June, October, November, December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (August)

Shallowest ponding: 0.3 foot (January, February, June, July, August, September,

October, December)

Deepest ponding: 0.5 foot (March, April, May, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 14.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 8.0 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 16 inches; silt loam

Bg—16 to 35 inches; silt loam

Cg—35 to 60 inches; stratified fine sand to silt loam

Minor Dissimilar Components

Palms and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 10 percent of the unit

Dunnbot and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Water

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit
Richland County, Wisconsin 71

1658A—Algansee-Kalmarville complex, 0 to 3 percent

slopes, frequently flooded

Component Description

Algansee and similar soils

Extent: 50 to 60 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Flats on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 3 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Fine sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained

Parent material: Thin mantle of loamy alluvium over sandy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Very rare (January, February, August,

December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May, June)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (April, May)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 3.0 feet (July, August)

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 4.8 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 2.1 percent

Typical profile:

A—0 to 4 inches; fine sandy loam

Bw—4 to 31 inches; loamy fine sand

C—31 to 60 inches; stratified gravelly coarse sand to loamy fine sand

Kalmarville and similar soils

Extent: 25 to 35 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Drainageways and depressions on flood plains

Slope range: 0 to 1 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Poorly drained

Parent material: Silty and loamy alluvium over sandy alluvium

Lowest frequency of flooding (if it occurs): Very rare (January, February, August,

December)

Highest frequency of flooding: Frequent (March, April, May, June)

Shallowest depth to wet zone: At the surface (January, February, March, April, May,

June, October, November, December)

Deepest depth to wet zone: 1.5 feet (August)

Shallowest ponding: 0.3 foot (January, February, June, July, August, September,

October, December)

Deepest ponding: 0.5 foot (March, April, May, November)

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 8.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 4.2 percent

Typical profile:

A1—0 to 6 inches; silt loam

A2—6 to 37 inches; stratified sandy loam to silt loam

Cg—37 to 42 inches; stratified sandy loam to silt loam

2Cg—42 to 60 inches; stratified coarse sand to fine sand

Minor Dissimilar Components

Scotah and similar soils

Extent: 1 to 10 percent of the unit
72 Soil Survey of

Palms and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Water

Extent: 1 to 5 percent of the unit

Riverwash

Extent: 1 to 2 percent of the unit

Markey and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

1743F—Council-Elevasil-Norden complex, 30 to 60

percent slopes

Component Description

Council and similar soils

Extent: 30 to 40 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 40 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Loam

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 6.7 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 11.3 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 3 inches; loam

Bt—3 to 45 inches; loam

C—45 to 60 inches; silt loam

Elevasil and similar soils

Extent: 25 to 35 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 60 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Sandy loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium over sandy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.2 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 5.4 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 3 inches; sandy loam

Bt—3 to 27 inches; sandy loam

2BC—27 to 31 inches; loamy sand
Richland County, Wisconsin 73

2C—31 to 39 inches; sand

2Cr—39 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Norden and similar soils

Extent: 25 to 35 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Hills

Position on the landform: Backslopes

Slope range: 30 to 60 percent

Texture of the surface layer: Silt loam

Depth to restrictive feature: 20 to 40 inches to bedrock (paralithic)

Drainage class: Well drained

Parent material: Loess over loamy residuum

Flooding: None

Depth to wet zone: More than 3.1 feet all year

Ponding: None

Available water capacity to a depth of 60 inches: 6.9 inches

Content of organic matter in the upper 10 inches: 1.2 percent

Typical profile:

Oe—0 to 1 inch; moderately decomposed plant material

A—1 to 3 inches; silt loam

Bt—3 to 20 inches; silt loam

2Bt—20 to 37 inches; fine sandy loam

2Cr—37 to 60 inches; weathered bedrock

Minor Dissimilar Components

Seaton and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Rock outcrop

Extent: 0 to 2 percent of the unit

2002—Udorthents, earthen dams

Component Description

Udorthents, earthen dams, and similar soils

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Flooding: None

Ponding: None

General definition: Earthen dams generally consist of silty, loamy, and clayey soils.

Service roads, spillways, very steep side slopes, dikes, levees, and small concrete

or steel dam structures may be included.

2003A—Riverwash, nearly level

Component Description

Riverwash

Extent: 90 to 100 percent of the unit

Geomorphic setting: Flood plains

General definition: This map unit consists of unstable sediments that are reworked

frequently by rivers. The sediments are typically sandy and gravelly, but in some

areas they are silty or clayey. Areas along the major rivers are frequently flooded.
74 Soil Survey of

Minor Dissimilar Components

Kalmarville and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Water

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

Algansee and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 5 percent of the unit

2013—Pits, gravel

Component Description

Pits, gravel

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

General definition: This map unit consists of open excavations from which sand and/or

rock fragments (mostly gravel and cobbles) have been removed. Bedrock or other

material is exposed in some places. Stockpiles, service roads, and vertical side

slopes may be included. Many pits have been excavated down to or below groundwater level and may have intermittent or deep water ponds.

2014—Pits, quarry, hard bedrock

Component Description

Pits, quarry, hard bedrock

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

General definition: This map unit consists of open excavations from which dolostone,

quartzite, granite, or other indurated bedrock has been removed. Drilling, blasting,

and crushing of material are generally required to remove and use the bedrock.

Stockpiles, service roads, and vertical slopes may be included.

2030—Udorthents and Udipsamments, cut or fill

Component Description

Udorthents, cut or fill, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 100 percent of the unit

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Flooding: None

Ponding: None

General definition: This component consists of areas where the original silty, loamy, or

clayey soil profile has been altered by the addition or removal of more than about a

foot of soil material. Roads, landscaped areas, and steep slopes may be included.

Udipsamments, cut or fill, and similar soils

Extent: 0 to 100 percent of the unit

Depth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)

Flooding: None

Ponding: None

General definition: This component consists of areas where the original sandy soil

profile has been altered by the addition or removal of more than about a foot of soil

material. Roads, landscaped areas, and steep slopes may be included.
Richland County, Wisconsin 75

2050—Landfill

Component Description

Landfill

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

General definition: This map unit consists of areas of accumulated waste products of

human habitation. The areas can be above or below natural ground level.

M-W—Miscellaneous water

Component Description

Miscellaneous water

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

General definition: This map unit consists of manmade areas that are used for

industrial, sanitary, or mining applications and that contain water most of the year.

Included are narrow dikes that surround the water areas.

W—Water

Component Description

Water

Extent: 100 percent of the unit

General definition: This map unit consists of rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and

ponds. These areas are covered with water in most years, at least during the

period that is warm enough for plants to grow. Many are covered throughout the

year. Small islands, flood plains, or riverwash may be included.
76 Soil Survey of

Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map | Soil name | Acres |Percent

symbol | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

20A |Palms and Houghton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes--------------------------| 982 | 0.3

21A |Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded--------------------| 1,041 | 0.3

115C2 |Seaton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 3,780 | 1.0

115D2 |Seaton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 1,001 | 0.3

116C2 |Churchtown silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 6,421 | 1.7

116D2 |Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 26,801 | 7.1

116E2 |Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 30,329 | 8.0

117D2 |Brownchurch sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------| 341 | *

117E2 |Brownchurch sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------| 12,460 | 3.3

122B2 |Newhouse silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 1,786 | 0.5

123C2 |Blackhammer silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 3,219 | 0.9

123D2 |Blackhammer silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------| 1,859 | 0.5

126B |Barremills silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------| 4,305 | 1.1

132B2 |Brinkman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 1,807 | 0.5

132C2 |Brinkman silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded------------| 590 | 0.2

133B2 |Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------------| 4,011 | 1.1

133C2 |Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 21,084 | 5.6

133D2 |Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 7,899 | 2.1

134B2 |Lamoille silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 1,122 | 0.3

134C2 |Lamoille silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded------------| 7,721 | 2.0

137B |Mickle silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes----------------------------------| 424 | 0.1

137C |Mickle silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes---------------------------------| 179 | *

144B2 |NewGlarus silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded------------| 405 | 0.1

144C2 |NewGlarus silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded-----------| 8,464 | 2.2

144D2 |NewGlarus silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 4,028 | 1.1

161B2 |Fivepoints silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-----------| 148 | *

161C2 |Fivepoints silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 3,336 | 0.9

161D2 |Fivepoints silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 40,990 | 10.8

163E2 |Elbaville silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 9,246 | 2.4

231D |Elevasil sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very stony-----------------| 557 | 0.1

234C2 |Basco silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------------| 791 | 0.2

234D2 |Basco silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 2,472 | 0.7

235F |Keyesville sandy loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes---------------------------| 1,683 | 0.4

253C2 |Greenridge silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 1,272 | 0.3

254C2 |Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 1,055 | 0.3

254D2 |Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 9,960 | 2.6

254E2 |Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 5,988 | 1.6

255E2 |Urne fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 3,262 | 0.9

255F |Urne fine sandy loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes----------------------------| 2,341 | 0.6

264C2 |Rockbridge silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 837 | 0.2

264D2 |Rockbridge silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------| 632 | 0.2

270B2 |Port byron silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-----------| 410 | 0.1

270C2 |Port byron silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----------| 668 | 0.2

284C2 |Gillingham loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded----| 176 | *

284D2 |Gillingham loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded---| 263 | *

293B2 |Muscoda loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------| 255 | *

293C2 |Muscoda loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------| 62 | *

293D2 |Muscoda loamy fine sand, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded------| 84 | *

312B2 |Festina silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 418 | 0.1

318A |Bearpen silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded-----------------| 3,789 | 1.0

326B2 |Medary silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded---------------| 154 | *

336A |Toddville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes-------------------------------| 6,229 | 1.6

403A |Dakota silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes----------------------------------| 216 | *

413A |Rasset sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes---------------------------------| 2,168 | 0.6

424B |Merit silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes-----------------------------------| 400 | 0.1

424D2 |Merit silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 352 | *

424F |Merit silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes---------------------------------| 434 | 0.1

433B |Forkhorn sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------------| 200 | *

434B |Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes---------------------------------| 1,159 | 0.3

434C2 |Bilson sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 258 | *

435B2 |Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded------| 726 | 0.2

 | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
Richland County, Wisconsin 77

Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils--Continued

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map | Soil name | Acres |Percent

symbol | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

435C2 |Nuxmaruhanixete silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded-----| 70 | *

437A |Balmoral silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes--------------------------------| 116 | *

446A |Merimod silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes---------------------------------| 1,656 | 0.4

446B2 |Merimod silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 178 | *

456A |Bilmod sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes---------------------------------| 2,033 | 0.5

502B2 |Chelsea fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded--------------| 1,363 | 0.4

502C2 |Chelsea fine sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------------| 417 | 0.1

504A |Sparta loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes----------------------------| 2,687 | 0.7

506A |Komro loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes----------------------------------| 395 | 0.1

508A |Farrington loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes-----------------------------| 82 | *

511C |Plainfield sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes----------------------------------| 212 | *

511F |Plainfield sand, 15 to 60 percent slopes---------------------------------| 176 | *

568A |Majik loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes-----------------------------| 93 | *

572B2 |Windward loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------| 1,248 | 0.3

572C2 |Windward loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded------| 1,185 | 0.3

576B |Tintson sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------------| 285 | *

601C |Beavercreek cobbly fine sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, occasionally | |

 | flooded-----------------------------------------------------------------| 116 | *

626A |Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded--------| 8,811 | 2.3

628A |Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded-------------| 14,829 | 3.9

629A |Ettrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded-------------| 4,055 | 1.1

656A |Scotah loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded------| 288 | *

676A |Kickapoo fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded----| 275 | *

743C2 |Council fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded-------| 1,876 | 0.5

743D2 |Council fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded------| 4,620 | 1.2

743E2 |Council fine sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded------| 1,654 | 0.4

1125F |Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes----------| 48,324 | 12.8

1145F |Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes-----------------------| 9,080 | 2.4

1155F |Brodale-Bellechester-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes-------| 90 | *

1505C2 |Sparta-Blownout land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes---------------------| 1,112 | 0.3

1648A |Northbend-Ettrick silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded--| 7,008 | 1.9

1658A |Algansee-Kalmarville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded--| 2,776 | 0.7

1743F |Council-Elevasil-Norden complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes-----------------| 1,862 | 0.5

2002 |Udorthents, earthen dams-------------------------------------------------| 10 | *

2003A |Riverwash, nearly level--------------------------------------------------| 14 | *

2013 |Pits, gravel-------------------------------------------------------------| 69 | *

2014 |Pits, quarry, hard bedrock-----------------------------------------------| 273 | *

2030 |Udorthents and Udipsamments, cut or fill---------------------------------| 6 | *

2050 |Landfill-----------------------------------------------------------------| 12 | *

M-W |Miscellaneous water------------------------------------------------------| 19 | *

W |Water--------------------------------------------------------------------| 3,438 | 0.9

 | |____________|________

 | Total---------------------------------------------------------------| 377,863 | 100.0

 | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * Less than 0.1 percent.

79

This soil survey is an inventory and evaluation of the soils in the survey area. It can

be used to adjust land uses to the limitations and potentials of natural resources and

the environment. Also, it can help to prevent soil-related failures in land uses.

In preparing a soil survey, soil scientists, conservationists, engineers, and others

collect extensive field data about the nature and behavioral characteristics of the soils.

They collect data on erosion, droughtiness, flooding, and other factors that affect

various soil uses and management. Field experience and collected data on soil

properties and performance are used as a basis in predicting soil behavior.

Information in this section can be used to plan the use and management of soils for

crops and pasture; as forestland; as sites for buildings, sanitary facilities, highways and

other transportation systems, and parks and other recreational facilities; for agricultural

waste management; and as wildlife habitat. It can be used to identify the potentials and

limitations of each soil for specific land uses and to help prevent construction failures

caused by unfavorable soil properties.

Planners and others using soil survey information can evaluate the effect of specific

land uses on productivity and on the environment in all or part of the survey area. The

survey can help planners to maintain or create a land use pattern in harmony with the

natural soil.

Contractors can use this survey to locate sources of gravel, sand, reclamation

material, roadfill, and topsoil. They can use it to identify areas where bedrock,

wetness, or very firm soil layers can cause difficulty in excavation.

Health officials, highway officials, engineers, and others may also find this survey

useful. The survey can help them plan the safe disposal of wastes and locate sites for

pavements, sidewalks, campgrounds, playgrounds, lawns, and trees and shrubs.

Interpretive Ratings

The interpretive tables for this survey, which are accessible via the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov), rate the soils in

the survey area for various uses. Many of the tables identify the limitations that affect

specified uses and indicate the severity of those limitations. The ratings in these tables

are both verbal and numerical.

Rating Class Terms

Rating classes are expressed in the tables in terms that indicate the extent to which

the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect a specified use or in terms that

indicate the suitability of the soils for the use. Thus, the tables may show limitation

classes or suitability classes. Terms for the limitation classes are not limited,

somewhat limited, and very limited. The suitability ratings are expressed as well suited,

moderately suited, poorly suited, and unsuited or as good, fair, and poor.

Use and Management of the Soils
80 Soil Survey of

Numerical Ratings

Numerical ratings in the tables indicate the relative severity of individual limitations.

The ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the use and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation. The limitations

appear in order from the most limiting to the least limiting. Thus, if more than one

limitation is identified, the most severe limitation is listed first and the least severe one

is listed last.

Crops and Pasture

General management needed for crops and pasture is suggested in this section.

The estimated yields of the main crops and pasture plants are discussed, the system

of land capability classification used by the Natural Resources Conservation Service is

explained, and prime farmland is described.

Planners of management systems for individual fields or farms should consider

obtaining detailed information from the local office of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Cropland Management Considerations

The main concerns in managing nonirrigated cropland are conserving moisture,

controlling wind erosion and water erosion, and maintaining soil fertility.

Conserving moisture consists primarily of reducing the evaporation and runoff rates

and increasing the water infiltration rate. Applying conservation tillage and

conservation cropping systems, farming on the contour, stripcropping, establishing

field windbreaks, and leaving crop residue on the surface conserve moisture.

Generally, a combination of several practices is needed to control wind erosion and

water erosion. Conservation tillage, stripcropping, field windbreaks, contour farming,

conservation cropping systems, crop residue management, terraces, diversions, and

grassed waterways help to prevent excessive soil loss.

Measures that are effective in maintaining soil fertility include applying fertilizer, both

organic and inorganic, including manure; incorporating crop residue or green manure

crops into the soil; and using proper crop rotations. Controlling erosion helps to

prevent the loss of organic matter and plant nutrients and thus helps to maintain

productivity, although the level of fertility can be reduced even in areas where erosion

is controlled. All soils used for nonirrigated crops respond well to applications of

fertilizer.

Additional considerations are as follows:

Lime content, limited available water capacity, limited content of organic matter,

potential poor tilth and compaction, and restricted permeability.—These limitations can

be minimized by incorporating green manure crops, manure, or crop residue into the

soil; applying a system of conservation tillage; and using conservation cropping

systems. Also, crops may respond well to additions of phosphate fertilizer to soils that

have a high content of lime.

Potential for ground-water contamination.—The proper use of nutrients and

pesticides can reduce the risk of ground-water contamination.

Potential for surface-water contamination.—The risk of surface-water contamination

can be reduced by the proper use of nutrients and pesticides and by conservation

farming practices that reduce the runoff rate.

Surface crusting.—This limitation retards seedling development after periods of

heavy rainfall.
Richland County, Wisconsin 81

Surface rock fragments.—This limitation causes rapid wear of tillage equipment. It

cannot be easily overcome.

Surface stones.—Stones or boulders on or near the surface can hinder normal

tillage unless they are removed.

Salt content.—In areas where this is a limitation, only salt-tolerant crops should be

grown.

On irrigated soils the main management concerns are efficient water use, nutrient

management, control of erosion, pest and weed control, and timely planting and

harvesting for a successful crop. An irrigation system that provides optimum control

and distribution of water at minimum cost is needed. Overirrigation wastes water,

leaches plant nutrients, causes erosion, and increases wetness.

Yields per Acre

The tables described in this section are available through the Soil Data Explorer/Soil

Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Irrigated and Nonirrigated Yields by Map Unit”

• “Irrigated and Nonirrigated Yields by Map Unit Component”

• “Irrigated Yields by Map Unit”

• “Irrigated Yields by Map Unit Component”

• “Nonirrigated Yields by Map Unit”

• “Nonirrigated Yields by Map Unit Component”

The average yields per acre shown in the yields tables for this survey are those that

can be expected of the principal crops under a high level of management. In any given

year, yields may be higher or lower than those indicated in the tables because of

variations in rainfall and other climatic factors. The land capability classification of map

units in the survey area also is shown in the tables.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and records of farmers,

conservationists, and extension agents. Available yield data from nearby counties and

results of field trials and demonstrations also are considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated yields of the various crops

depends on the kind of soil and the crop. Management can include drainage, erosion

control, and protection from flooding; the proper planting and seeding rates; suitable

high-yielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of weeds, plant

diseases, and harmful insects; favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen,

phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each crop; effective use of crop

residue, barnyard manure, and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures the

smallest possible loss.

For yields of irrigated crops, it is assumed that the irrigation system is adapted to

the soils and to the crops grown, that good-quality irrigation water is uniformly applied

as needed, and that tillage is kept to a minimum.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity of each soil for each of the

principal crops. Yields are likely to increase as new production technology is

developed. The productivity of a given soil compared with that of other soils, however,

is not likely to change.

Crops other than those shown in the yields tables are grown in the survey area, but

estimated yields are not listed because the acreage of such crops is small. The local

office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or of the Cooperative Extension

Service can provide information about the management and productivity of the soils

for those crops.
82 Soil Survey of

Pasture and Hayland Interpretations

The soils in the survey area have been assigned to forage suitability groups. The

soils in each group are similar enough to be suited to the same species of grasses or

legumes, have similar limitations and hazards, require similar management, and have

similar productivity levels and other responses to management. Detailed descriptions

of forage suitability groups are available at local offices of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service.

Under good management, proper grazing is essential for the production of highquality forage, stand survival, and erosion control. Proper grazing helps plants to

maintain sufficient and generally vigorous top growth during the growing season.

Brush control is essential in many areas, and weed control generally is needed.

Rotation grazing and pasture renovation also are important management practices.

Pasture yields are expressed in terms of animal unit months. An animal unit month

(AUM) is the amount of forage required by one mature cow of approximately 1,000

pounds weight, with or without a calf, for 1 month.

The local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Cooperative

Extension Service can provide information about forage yields other than those shown

in the yields tables.

Land Capability Classification

Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability of soils for most

kinds of field crops. Crops that require special management are excluded. The soils

are grouped according to their limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are

used for crops, and the way they respond to management. The criteria used in

grouping the soils do not include major and generally expensive landforming that

would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils, nor do they include

possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a

substitute for interpretations designed to show suitability and limitations of groups of

soils for forestland or for engineering purposes.

In the capability system, soils are generally grouped at three levels—capability

class, subclass, and unit (USDA, 1961). These categories indicate the degree and

kinds of limitations affecting mechanized farming systems that produce the more

commonly grown field crops, such as corn, small grain, cotton, hay, and field-grown

vegetables. Only class and subclass are used in this survey.

Capability classes, the broadest groups, are designated by the numbers 1 through

8. The numbers indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower choices for

practical use.

If properly managed, soils in classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 are suitable for the mechanized

production of commonly grown field crops and for pasture and forest land. The degree

of the soil limitations affecting the production of cultivated crops increases

progressively from class 1 to class 4. The limitations can affect levels of production

and the risk of permanent soil deterioration caused by erosion and other factors.

Soils in classes 5, 6, and 7 are generally not suited to the mechanized production of

commonly grown field crops without special management, but they are suitable for

plants that provide a permanent cover, such as grasses and trees. The severity of the

soil limitations affecting crops increases progressively from class 5 to class 7.

Areas in class 8 are generally not suitable for crops, pasture, or forest land without

a level of management that is impractical. These areas may have potential for other

uses, such as recreational facilities and wildlife habitat.

Capability subclasses identify the dominant kind of limitation in the class. They are

designated by adding a small letter, e, w, s, or c, to the class numeral, for example, 2e.

The letter e shows that the main hazard is the risk of erosion unless a close-growing

plant cover is maintained; w shows that water in or on the soil interferes with plant
Richland County, Wisconsin 83

growth or cultivation (in some soils the wetness can be partly corrected by artificial

drainage); s shows that the soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, droughty, or

stony; and c, used in only some parts of the United States, shows that the chief

limitation is climate that is very cold or very dry.

There are no subclasses in class 1 because the soils of this class have few

limitations. Class 5 contains only the subclasses indicated by w, s, or c because the

soils in class 5 are subject to little or no erosion. They have other limitations that

restrict their use mainly to pasture, forest land, wildlife habitat, or recreation.

The capability classification of map units in the survey area is given in yields tables

available in Web Soil Survey.

Important Farmlands

The table “Prime and Other Important Farmlands,” which is available through the

Soil Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov), lists the

map units in the survey area that are considered important farmlands. Important

farmlands consist of prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland of statewide or

local importance. This list does not constitute a recommendation for a particular land

use.

In an effort to identify the extent and location of important farmlands, the Natural

Resources Conservation Service, in cooperation with other interested Federal, State,

and local government organizations, has inventoried land that can be used for the

production of the Nation’s food supply.

Prime farmland is of major importance in meeting the Nation’s short- and longrange needs for food and fiber. Because the supply of high-quality farmland is limited,

the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes that responsible levels of government,

as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation’s

prime farmland.

Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is land that has

the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed,

forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is available for these uses. It could be cultivated

land, pastureland, forestland, or other land, but it is not urban or built-up land or water

areas. The soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply are those needed for the

soil to economically produce sustained high yields of crops when proper management,

including water management, and acceptable farming methods are applied. In general,

prime farmland has an adequate and dependable supply of moisture from precipitation

or irrigation, a favorable temperature and growing season, acceptable acidity or

alkalinity, an acceptable salt and sodium content, and few or no rocks. The water

supply is dependable and of adequate quality. Prime farmland is permeable to water

and air. It is not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long periods, and it

either is not frequently flooded during the growing season or is protected from flooding.

Slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent. More detailed information about the criteria

for prime farmland is available at the local office of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service.

For some of the soils identified in the table as prime farmland, measures that

overcome a hazard or limitation, such as flooding, wetness, and droughtiness, are

needed. Onsite evaluation is needed to determine whether or not the hazard or

limitation has been overcome by corrective measures.

A recent trend in land use in some areas has been the loss of some prime farmland

to industrial and urban uses. The loss of prime farmland to other uses puts pressure

on marginal lands, which generally are more erodible, droughty, and less productive

and cannot be easily cultivated.

Unique farmland is land other than prime farmland that is used for the production of

specific high-value food and fiber crops, such as citrus, tree nuts, olives, cranberries,
84 Soil Survey of

and other fruits and vegetables. It has the special combination of soil quality, growing

season, moisture supply, temperature, humidity, air drainage, elevation, and aspect

needed for the soil to economically produce sustainable high yields of these crops

when properly managed. The water supply is dependable and of adequate quality.

Nearness to markets is an additional consideration. Unique farmland is not based on

national criteria. It commonly is in areas where there is a special microclimate, such as

the wine country in California.

In some areas, land that does not meet the criteria for prime or unique farmland is

considered to be farmland of statewide importance for the production of food, feed,

fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. The criteria for defining and delineating farmland of

statewide importance are determined by the appropriate State agencies. Generally,

this land includes areas of soils that nearly meet the requirements for prime farmland

and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed

according to acceptable farming methods. Some areas may produce as high a yield as

prime farmland if conditions are favorable. Farmland of statewide importance may

include tracts of land that have been designated for agriculture by State law.

In some areas that are not identified as having national or statewide importance,

land is considered to be farmland of local importance for the production of food, feed,

fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. This farmland is identified by the appropriate local

agencies. Farmland of local importance may include tracts of land that have been

designated for agriculture by local ordinance.

Windbreaks and Environmental Plantings

Windbreaks protect livestock, buildings, and yards from wind and snow. They also

protect fruit trees and gardens, and they furnish habitat for wildlife. Several rows of

low- and high-growing broadleaf and coniferous trees and shrubs provide the most

protection.

Field windbreaks are narrow plantings made at right angles to the prevailing wind

and at specific intervals across the field. The interval depends on the erodibility of the

soil. Field windbreaks protect cropland and crops from wind, help to keep snow on the

fields, and provide food and cover for wildlife.

Environmental plantings help to beautify and screen houses and other buildings and

to abate noise. The plants, mostly evergreen shrubs and trees, are closely spaced. To

ensure plant survival, a healthy planting stock of suitable species should be planted

properly on a well prepared site and maintained in good condition.

Windbreaks are often planted on land that did not originally support trees.

Knowledge of how trees perform on such land can be gained only by observing and

recording the performance of trees that have been planted and have survived. Many

popular windbreak species are not indigenous to the areas in which they are planted.

Each tree or shrub species has certain climatic and physiographic limits. Within

these parameters, a tree or shrub may grow well or grow poorly, depending on the

characteristics of the soil. Each tree or shrub has definable potential heights in a given

physiographic area and under a given climate. Accurate definitions of potential heights

are necessary when a windbreak is planned and designed.

Information on planning windbreaks and screens and planting and caring for trees

and shrubs can be obtained from local offices of the Natural Resources Conservation

Service or the Cooperative Extension Service or from a nursery.

Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups

Conservation tree/shrub suitability groups consist of soils in which the kinds and

degrees of the hazards and limitations that affect the survival and growth of trees and

shrubs in conservation plantings are about the same. The conservation tree/shrub
Richland County, Wisconsin 85

suitability groups assigned to the soils in the survey area are available from the local

office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Descriptions of the groups are

provided in the “National Forestry Manual,” which is available in local offices of the

Natural Resources Conservation Service or on the Internet.

Forestland Management

The tables described in this section can help forest owners or managers plan the

use of soils for wood crops. They rate the soils according to the limitations that affect

various aspects of forestland management. The tables are accessible through the Soil

Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles

are:

• “Haul Roads, Log Landings, and Soil Rutting on Forestland”

• “Hazard of Erosion and Suitability for Roads on Forestland”

• “Forestland Planting and Harvesting”

• “Forestland Site Preparation”

• “Damage by Fire and Seedling Mortality on Forestland”

In these tables, interpretive ratings are given for various aspects of forestland

management. The ratings are both verbal and numerical.

Some rating class terms indicate the degree to which the soils are suited to a

specified aspect of forestland management. Well suited indicates that the soil has

features that are favorable for the specified management aspect and has no

limitations. Good performance can be expected, and little or no maintenance is

needed. Moderately suited indicates that the soil has features that are moderately

favorable for the specified management aspect. One or more soil properties are less

than desirable, and fair performance can be expected. Some maintenance is needed.

Poorly suited indicates that the soil has one or more properties that are unfavorable for

the specified management aspect. Overcoming the unfavorable properties requires

special design, extra maintenance, and costly alteration. Unsuited indicates that the

expected performance of the soil is unacceptable for the specified management

aspect or that extreme measures are needed to overcome the undesirable soil

properties.

Numerical ratings in the tables indicate the severity of individual limitations. The

ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the specified aspect of forestland management (1.00) and the point at which the

soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

Rating class terms for fire damage and seedling mortality are expressed as low,

moderate, and high. Where these terms are used, the numerical ratings indicate

gradations between the point at which the potential for fire damage or seedling

mortality is highest (1.00) and the point at which the potential is lowest (0.00).

The paragraphs that follow indicate the soil properties considered in rating the soils.

More detailed information about the criteria used in the ratings is available in the

“National Forestry Manual,” which is available in local offices of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service or on the Internet.

For limitations affecting construction of haul roads and log landings, the ratings are

based on slope, flooding, permafrost, plasticity index, the hazard of soil slippage,

content of sand, the Unified classification, rock fragments on or below the surface,

depth to a restrictive layer that is indurated, depth to a water table, and ponding. The

limitations are described as slight, moderate, or severe. A rating of slight indicates that

no significant limitations affect construction activities, moderate indicates that one or

more limitations can cause some difficulty in construction, and severe indicates that

one or more limitations can make construction very difficult or very costly.
86 Soil Survey of

The ratings of suitability for log landings are based on slope, rock fragments on the

surface, plasticity index, content of sand, the Unified classification, depth to a water

table, ponding, flooding, and the hazard of soil slippage. The soils are described as

well suited, moderately suited, or poorly suited to use as log landings.

Ratings in the column soil rutting hazard are based on depth to a water table, rock

fragments on or below the surface, the Unified classification, depth to a restrictive

layer, and slope. Ruts form as a result of the operation of forest equipment. The hazard

is described as slight, moderate, or severe. A rating of slight indicates that the soil is

subject to little or no rutting, moderate indicates that rutting is likely, and severe

indicates that ruts form readily.

Ratings in the column hazard of off-road or off-trail erosion are based on slope and

on soil erosion factor K. The soil loss is caused by sheet or rill erosion in off-road or

off-trail areas where 50 to 75 percent of the surface has been exposed by logging,

grazing, mining, or other kinds of disturbance. The hazard is described as slight,

moderate, severe, or very severe. A rating of slight indicates that erosion is unlikely

under ordinary climatic conditions; moderate indicates that some erosion is likely and

that erosion-control measures may be needed; severe indicates that erosion is very

likely and that erosion-control measures, including revegetation of bare areas, are

advised; and very severe indicates that significant erosion is expected, loss of soil

productivity and off-site damage are likely, and erosion-control measures are costly

and generally impractical.

Ratings in the column hazard of erosion on roads and trails are based on the soil

erosion factor K, slope, and content of rock fragments. The ratings apply to unsurfaced

roads and trails. The hazard is described as slight, moderate, or severe. A rating of

slight indicates that little or no erosion is likely; moderate indicates that some erosion

is likely, that the roads or trails may require occasional maintenance, and that simple

erosion-control measures are needed; and severe indicates that significant erosion is

expected, that the roads or trails require frequent maintenance, and that costly

erosion-control measures are needed.

Ratings in the column suitability for roads (natural surface) are based on slope, rock

fragments on the surface, plasticity index, content of sand, the Unified classification,

depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, and the hazard of soil slippage. The ratings

indicate the suitability for using the natural surface of the soil for roads. The soils are

described as well suited, moderately suited, or poorly suited to this use.

Ratings in the columns suitability for hand planting and suitability for mechanical

planting are based on slope, depth to a restrictive layer, content of sand, plasticity

index, rock fragments on or below the surface, depth to a water table, and ponding.

The soils are described as well suited, moderately suited, poorly suited, or unsuited to

these methods of planting. It is assumed that necessary site preparation is completed

before seedlings are planted.

Ratings in the column suitability for use of harvesting equipment are based on

slope, rock fragments on the surface, plasticity index, content of sand, the Unified

classification, depth to a water table, and ponding. The soils are described as well

suited, moderately suited, or poorly suited to this use.

Ratings in the column suitability for mechanical site preparation (surface) are based

on slope, depth to a restrictive layer, plasticity index, rock fragments on or below the

surface, depth to a water table, and ponding. The soils are described as well suited,

poorly suited, or unsuited to this management activity. The part of the soil from the

surface to a depth of about 1 foot is considered in the ratings.

Ratings in the column suitability for mechanical site preparation (deep) are based

on slope, depth to a restrictive layer, rock fragments on or below the surface, depth to

a water table, and ponding. The soils are described as well suited, poorly suited, or

unsuited to this management activity. The part of the soil from the surface to a depth of

about 3 feet is considered in the ratings.
Richland County, Wisconsin 87

Ratings in the column potential for damage to soil by fire are based on texture of the

surface layer, content of rock fragments and organic matter in the surface layer,

thickness of the surface layer, and slope. The soils are described as having a low,

moderate, or high potential for this kind of damage. The ratings indicate an evaluation

of the potential impact of prescribed fires or wildfires that are intense enough to

remove the duff layer and consume organic matter in the surface layer.

Ratings in the column potential for seedling mortality are based on flooding,

ponding, depth to a water table, content of lime, reaction, salinity, available water

capacity, soil moisture regime, soil temperature regime, aspect, and slope. The soils

are described as having a low, moderate, or high potential for seedling mortality.

Forest Habitat Types

John Kotar, senior scientist, Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, helped prepare

this section.

Modern forest management requires site classification that is based on ecological

principles. It is not adequate to simply provide information on the trees that are

suitable for planting on a particular soil map unit. Most trees can grow on a wide range

of soils under intensive management. Intensive management is costly, however, and in

the U.S. is practiced only under special conditions. Also, other natural attributes of

forests, such as wildlife (including nongame species), recreation, esthetics, and

biodiversity, are becoming increasingly more important.

Classifying sites or landscape units according to their biological potential helps to

address these concerns. Such classification should be in terms of potential vegetation,

which includes all plant species, and not only in terms of productivity of the

commercially important tree species. Such a system, known as the Habitat Type

Classification System, has been developed for Wisconsin’s forests and is in wide use

by forest managers. The forest habitat types of Richland County are derived from

zones 6 and 7 of “A Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Central and

Southern Wisconsin” (Kotar and Burger, 1996).

A habitat type is any land unit that is capable of supporting a particular type of

climax plant community. Habitat types are identified by the presence of groups of socalled diagnostic species. The fully developed climax association need not be present

for habitat type identification.

Although soil map units do not coincide exactly with habitat types, there are strong

correlations between them. Therefore, habitat types can provide valuable interpretation

of soil map units for forest resource management.

The field guide provides the following information: (1) Keys to habitat identification,

based on presence and absence of diagnostic understory species; (2) a description of

each habitat type in terms of understory species composition, prevalent forest cover

types (successional stages), and expected successional trends; and (3) a summary of

management implications of each habitat type. This summary, in combination with

various tables and diagrams, identifies species best suited for management on a

particular habitat type. This information takes into account the potential influence of

competing vegetation as well as the inherent site capability. A short summary of

principal ecological characteristics of selected tree species is included. The nature of

forest vegetation of central and southern Wisconsin differs considerably from that in

the north. In many areas, forests have been under continuous disturbance since, and

even prior to, Euro-American settlement. Disturbance included fires, grazing and other

uses, and logging. For these reasons the application of the classification to specific

sites can be difficult, particularly the use of the identification keys in the field guide. As

much floristic and descriptive information as possible was included, however, so that

users should be able to interpret the major management implications of most

communities and sites.
88 Soil Survey of

Not every community and site type is included in these classifications. The habitat

types described are based on stands or woodlots that had acceptable conditions for

sampling. For example, recently grazed or otherwise disturbed stands or low-density

stands were not sampled. In some areas, the most productive soils are used entirely

for agriculture and no forest was available for sampling. Particularly lacking were

communities on the poorest sites, such as steep slopes and ridges with shallow soils,

because these sites tend to be the most disturbed. Some of the habitat types that are

described in this survey may not have been sampled in Richland County.

Habitat types have been determined for most of the soils in Richland County.

Presently, habitat types have not been developed for the poorly drained (Npd) and

very poorly drained (Nvpd) soils or the flood-plain (Nflp) soils. The vegetation on many

of the very poorly drained soils, such as Markey soils, consists of grasses, sedges,

and brush and only a few patches of poorly formed trees. Other areas, such as the

very steep south- and west-facing “goat prairies” (Nnw), historically did not support the

growth of trees, and these areas are not assigned a habitat type classification. The

flood-plain soils, such as Algansee soils, commonly are forested, but sufficient

information for placing them in a habitat type classification is not available at this time.

Other miscellaneous areas (Nma) that are not commonly forested or for which there is

not sufficient information are not assigned a habitat type classification.

A single habitat type is considered dominant if it constitutes more than 60 percent

coverage (one habitat type that has more than 60 percent occurrence). If no habitat

types are dominant but two types with 25 to 59 percent occurrence add up to more

than 70 percent, then they would be considered codominant.

The table “Forest Habitat Types” provides a listing of the habitat types for the soil

map units in the county. The following paragraphs briefly describe the habitat types

that have been assigned to the soils in the county. The types are listed generally in

order from the poorest and least productive to the most productive.

PVGy—Pinus strobus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia (White pine/Blueberry-Huckleberry).

Similar habitat types include PVCr and PVHa (in region 6). The landform in areas

of PVGy consists of nearly level sand plains with sandstone buttes. The soils are

sand or loamy sand and are typically more than 3 or 4 feet deep. They are well

drained to excessively drained. Examples are Tarr and Boone soils. The moisture

regime is very dry or dry. The nutrient regime is poor. This type is typically on flats

and the lower slopes. On the steep upper slopes, on south-southwest aspects,

and on narrow ridges, a xeric subtype is recognized. No plants consistently reflect

these xeric conditions, but tree growth is strongly limited in these areas.

Common forest cover types: These include various mixtures of jack pine, red pine,

white pine, pin oak, black oak, and white oak. Pines exhibit normal growth, but

oaks attain only small stature and poor form. Red maple occurs mainly as

saplings. In the literature, these communities are commonly referred to as pine

and oak barrens.

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is absent or poorly developed, except for

huckleberry. Serviceberry, black cherry, blackberries, and raspberries are common

but make up low coverage. Red maple and black cherry are commonly dominant.

Ground flora characteristics: Except for bracken fern, herbs are largely absent or are

only sparsely distributed. The most common species are common milkweed,

whorled loose strife, and wild lily-of-the-valley. Other species include wild

sarsaparilla, false Solomon’s seal, and starflower. Because only the species that

are most tolerant of drought and low-nutrient conditions occur on the most

extreme end of this gradient, plants cannot be used to further distinguish between

“normal” and even more xeric sites. Therefore, when vegetation keys out to PVGy
Richland County, Wisconsin 89

on steep upper slopes, south-southwest aspects, or narrow ridges, the site must

be considered as a xeric subtype of PVGy.

Disturbance and succession: All tree species occurring on this type are adapted to fire

disturbance. In the absence of fire, white pine appears to be best suited for

reproduction in the understory and could be expected to dominate undisturbed

stands. It is not yet very abundant in present stands, but where a seed source is

present it shows vigorous development in the seedling and sapling layers. White

oak also appears to regenerate well enough to remain as a permanent associate.

Red pine, jack pine, and black oak would become less common. Red maple and

black cherry are typically well represented in the sapling layer but attain only small

tree size on this type and can be expected to persist as understory associates.

PVCr—Pinus strobus/Vaccinium-Cornus racemosa (White pine/Blueberry-Gray

dogwood). Similar habitat types include PVGy and PVHa (in region 6). The PVCr

habitat type occurs in areas of rolling to hilly topography with sandstone outcrops.

The soils are loam or silt loam. They are shallow over either deep sand or bedrock.

Eleva soils are examples. The moisture regime is dry, and the nutrient regime is

medium.

Common forest cover types: Mixtures of white oak, black oak, pin oak, and white pine

are most common. Jack pine occurs in many stands. Red oak is generally absent.

Red maple is common and grows better on this habitat type than it does on PVGy

but less well than on ArDe-V. Black cherry occurs in most stands as saplings but

does not develop well into larger sizes.

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is much better represented on this type than it is

on PVGy. Most diagnostic in this respect are gray dogwood and chokecherry.

Black cherry also is better represented on PVCr than on other types. Other

important species are blackberries, raspberries, hazel, and serviceberry.

Ground flora characteristics: The herbaceous layer is poorly developed on this type. A

few species are better represented on this type than they are on PVGy and are

useful for identification. These are wild sarsaparilla, true Solomon’s seal, and

Virginia creeper.

Disturbance and succession: All tree species occurring on this type are adapted to fire

disturbance. The relative frequency and intensity of fire probably controlled

community composition in presettlement time. There is no evidence to suggest

that in the absence of fire the same species, with the exception of jack pine, could

not maintain themselves on this type. White pine, because of its much larger

stature and longer life span than that of other species, is presumed to be a

potential dominant species.

PVRh—Pinus strobus/Vaccinium-Rubus hispidus (White pine/BlueberryDewberry). Similar habitat types include PVGy and PVHa (in region 6). The PVRh

habitat type occurs in areas of nearly level sand plains with sandstone buttes. The

topography and soil textures are similar to those described for PVGy, but the

ground-water influence is near the surface in areas of PVRh (typically within a

depth of 3 feet). Fairchild, Iron Run, and Merrillan soils are examples. In spite of

the ground-water influence, the vegetation on these sandy soils is decidedly

xerophytic. The moisture regime of the PVRh type is dry-mesic, and the nutrient

regime is poor.

Common forest cover types: White pine, red maple, and pin oak, in various mixtures,

are the most common dominant species in current stands. White oak and jack pine

are common associates. Red oak generally does not occur.
90 Soil Survey of

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is generally absent or is only poorly developed.

Huckleberry is common, but other species have low coverage. Those with high

constancy are black cherry, serviceberry, and winterberry (ilex). Winterberry is

best represented on this type. Conspicuously rare are gray dogwood, chokecherry,

and hazel. All of these species are typically well represented on dry and dry-mesic

sites.

Ground flora characteristics: Several species with moderate individual constancy

values readily distinguish this type from other types in this region. These species

include partridgeberry, swamp dewberry, starflower, ground pine (Lycopodium

obscurum), goldthread, bunchberry, and yellow beadlily. They are characteristic

members of northern forests and are rarely found in southern habitat types.

Cinnamon fern dominates the herb layer in places, especially where ground water

is near the surface.

Disturbance and succession: Records of presettlement conditions show white pine as

the dominant species on this habitat type. Red maple and pin oak were probably

always present, but they assumed dominance after white pine was logged off.

Since then, the white pine seed source has slowly increased, and white pine

regeneration is now common in many stands.

ArDe-V—Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium) (Red maple/Pointed-leaf tick trefoilBlueberry variant). Similar habitat types include PVCr. Areas of the ArDe-V habitat

type are characterized by rolling to hilly topography and sandstone or dolomitic

bedrock. The soils are sandy loam or loam. Hixton loam is an example. This

habitat type represents a distinct transition between dry and dry-mesic sites.

Major forest cover types: White oak and red maple are the most common dominants in

stands that were sampled, but red oak occurs in some areas. Pin oak and black

oak are much less common than they are on the PVCr type. White pine is

common.

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is generally well represented. The major species,

in decreasing order of average coverage, are hazel, blackberries and raspberries,

serviceberry, black cherry, gray dogwood, and bush honeysuckle. Red maple

saplings commonly dominate this layer.

Ground flora characteristics: The number of species and the total herb coverage are

higher than on other dry habitat types of this region. Blueberry occurs here with

small coverage and helps to distinguish ArDe-V from ArCi and other dry-mesic

and mesic types. The species that best distinguishes this type from drier types is

pointed-leaf tick trefoil. Other diagnostic species with lower constancies are sweet

cicely, wild geranium, and hog peanut. The best represented species are bracken

fern, bigleaf aster, tick trefoil, wild sarsaparilla, and Virginia creeper.

Disturbance and succession: The pattern of presettlement fires favored the

development of oak communities. Red oak is not reproducing adequately in

current stands, even where it is dominant in the overstory. White oak, however,

shows some ability to persist. The most successfully reproducing species is red

maple. Based on understory composition and soil characteristics, it appears that

sugar maple is not a potential climax dominant on this type. Red maple is the most

shade-tolerant species that is well adapted to these sites and is presumed to

occur as a climax species. White pine could possibly become a permanent

member of communities on this type if it can be established as a seed source. The

competitive relationship between white pine and red maple on this type has not

been established; however, it appears that under a disturbance regime of

moderate fire frequency, the two species would coexist.
Richland County, Wisconsin 91

ArCi-Ph—Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma) (Red maple/Enchanter’s nightshadeLopseed variant). Similar habitat types include ATiDe and ATiDe(Pr). The ArCi-Ph

type occurs in areas of rolling to hilly sandstone terrain, particularly in areas where

the soils have a thin cap of silt loam. The moisture regime is dry-mesic, and the

nutrient regime is medium or rich.

Major forest cover types: Red oak, white oak, and red maple, in relatively pure stands

or in mixtures, are most common. Mesic hardwoods (sugar maple, basswood, or

white ash) or shagbark hickory occurs in some stands.

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is typically well developed. The principal species,

in descending order of average coverage, are blackberry/raspberry, hazel,

gooseberry, gray dogwood, serviceberry, and chokecherry, but red maple and

black cherry saplings commonly dominate this layer.

Ground flora characteristics: This type is distinguished from drier types of this region

by the general absence of blueberry and huckleberry. Similarly, it is distinguished

from the mesic types by a general lack of the blue cohosh ecological species

group. The most characteristic species are nightshade, Virginia creeper, sweet

cicely, wild geranium, and gooseberries.

Disturbance and succession: The climax nature of this community type has not been

adequately studied. The soils do not appear to be different from those that support

shade-tolerant mesic species in other parts of the region. However, these species

are generally not found in this community type, and red maple is presently the

most common species capable of reproducing in present oak stands. For these

reasons, this type is referred to as a “community type” rather than a habitat type,

and red maple can perhaps be viewed as a pseudo-climax species until a sugar

maple seed source again becomes common on sites where fire once controlled

community dynamics.

ATiDe and ATiDe(Pr)—Acer saccharum-Tilia/Desmodium and Acer saccharumTilia/Desmodium (Prunus serotina) (Sugar maple-Basswood/Tick trefoil and

Sugar maple-Basswood/Tick trefoil, Black cherry phase). Similar habitat types

include PVCr. The ATiDe and ATiDE(Pr) types are associated with rolling to hilly

topography on valley walls. The soils are typically silt loam over cherty residuum or

silt loam over sandstone. These types occur on all slope aspects but are more

common on south and southwest aspects. The moisture regime is dry-mesic, and

the nutrient regime is rich.

Common forest cover types: Sugar maple, basswood, and red oak are the primary

dominant species on the ATiDe type. The Prunus (Pr) phase is dominated by red

oak and white oak and some black oak and slippery elm. Maple and basswood are

virtually absent.

Shrub and small tree layer: This layer is relatively sparse in areas of the ATiDe type.

The Prunus (Pr) phase is typically dominated by gooseberry. Other common

species are blackberry, black cherry, hazel, and gray dogwood.

Ground flora characteristics: The best representative species on both types include

pointed-leaf tick trefoil, wild geranium, lopseed, black snakeroot, Virginia creeper,

hog peanut, riverbank grape, and sweet cicely. Species that are more common on

the ATiDe type than in areas of the Prunus (Pr) phase include rattlesnake fern,

naked-flower tick trefoil, maidenhair fern, zig-zag goldenrod, and red baneberry.

Species that are more common in areas of the Prunus (Pr) phase include

agrimony, bracken fern, false Solomon’s seal, and enchanter’s nightshade.
92 Soil Survey of

Disturbance and succession: In presettlement time, most stands in areas of the ATiDe

type were dominated by sugar maple-basswood. The stands of the Prunus (Pr)

phase, however, developed from oak openings or communities dominated by

shrubs. Although no mesic hardwoods, such as sugar maple, basswood, and

white ash, occur in most current stands, the soils and understory vegetation

suggest that these species are missing only as a result of the lack of a seed

source. The Prunus (Pr) phase is therefore viewed only as a developmental phase

and not as a different site type.

ATiCa and ATiSa—Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum and Acer-Tilia/Sanguinaria (Sugar

maple-Basswood/Blue cohosh and Sugar maple-Basswood/Bloodroot). Similar

habitat types include ATiCa-Al (Baraboo section). These habitat types occur in

areas of rolling to steep terrain. The soils are silt loams over cherty red clay over

dolomite and sandstone. ATiCa is mainly on north and east aspects. The moisture

regime in areas of this type is mesic, and the nutrient regime is very rich. The

ATiSa type is typically on the south and southwest aspects and represents a

transition from mesic to dry-mesic conditions.

Common forest cover types: Both types are typically dominated by sugar maple and

basswood. Red oak is well represented only in the larger diameter classes (more

than 10 inches in diameter at base height). Bitternut hickory and ironwood are the

only other common associates. White oak is less common.

Shrub and small tree layer: The shrub layer is not well developed on either of these

two types. It consists largely of saplings of canopy tree species. The only common

shrubs are gooseberry, alternate-leaved dogwood, and prickly ash.

Ground flora characteristics: Understory species in areas of both types are typical of

those on mesic sites in all regions, including bloodroot, large-flowered bellwort,

rattlesnake fern, and maidenhair fern. Many other mesic species are distinctly

more typical of the ATiCa type than of the ATiSa type. These species include blue

cohosh, jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry, trillium, sharp-lobed hepatica, and wild

ginger. The ATiSa type is further distinguished from the ATiCa type by higher

constancies of tick trefoil, riverbank grape, shagbark hickory, ironwood, and

basswood.

Disturbance and succession: These two habitat types represent the largest block of

presettlement mesic forest in southwestern Wisconsin. Dominance of sugar

maple-basswood forest cannot be attributed to any particular site conditions,

although the species in this type of forest are clearly best developed on north and

east aspects and on deep silt loams. Many similar sites in the region support oak

communities and are completely devoid of mesic hardwoods. The historic

exclusion of fires is considered to be the primary cause of this vegetation pattern.

Heavy cutting, grazing, and other disturbances result in an increased number of

oaks and other intolerant species on many sites; however, oaks are not

regenerating in these stands. Sugar maple, basswood, and especially ironwood

are the most common seedlings and saplings. Bitternut hickory also occurs in

many stands. White ash is much less common in this area than it is in the mesic

and dry-mesic forests in the eastern part of the State.

Recreational Development

The tables described in this section are accessible through the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Camp Areas, Picnic Areas, and Playgrounds”

• “Paths, Trails, and Golf Fairways”
Richland County, Wisconsin 93

In these tables, the soils of the survey area are rated according to limitations that

affect their suitability for recreational development. The ratings are both verbal and

numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which the soils are limited by all of

the soil features that affect the recreational uses. Not limited indicates that the soil has

features that are very favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low

maintenance can be expected. Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features

that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or

minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate

maintenance can be expected. Very limited indicates that the soil has one or more

features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be

overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation

procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected.

Numerical ratings in the tables indicate the severity of individual limitations. The

ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

The ratings in the tables are based on restrictive soil features, such as wetness,

slope, and texture of the surface layer. Susceptibility to flooding is considered. Not

considered in the ratings, but important in evaluating a site, are the location and

accessibility of the area, the size and shape of the area and its scenic quality,

vegetation, access to water, potential water impoundment sites, and access to public

sewer lines. The capacity of the soil to absorb septic tank effluent and the ability of the

soil to support vegetation also are important. Soils that are subject to flooding are

limited for recreational uses by the duration and intensity of flooding and the season

when flooding occurs. In planning recreational facilities, onsite assessment of the

height, duration, intensity, and frequency of flooding is essential.

The information in these tables can be supplemented by other information in Web

Soil Survey, for example, interpretations for dwellings without basements, for local

roads and streets, and for septic tank absorption fields.

Camp areas require site preparation, such as shaping and leveling the tent and

parking areas, stabilizing roads and intensively used areas, and installing sanitary

facilities and utility lines. Camp areas are subject to heavy foot traffic and some

vehicular traffic. The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect the ease of

developing camp areas and the performance of the areas after development. Slope,

stoniness, and depth to bedrock or a cemented pan are the main concerns affecting

the development of camp areas. The soil properties that affect the performance of the

areas after development are those that influence trafficability and promote the growth

of vegetation, especially in heavily used areas. For good trafficability, the surface of

camp areas should absorb rainfall readily, remain firm under heavy foot traffic, and not

be dusty when dry. The soil properties that influence trafficability are texture of the

surface layer, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, saturated hydraulic

conductivity (Ksat), and large stones. The soil properties that affect the growth of

plants are depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, saturated hydraulic conductivity

(Ksat), and toxic substances in the soil.

Picnic areas are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most vehicular traffic is confined to

access roads and parking areas. The ratings are based on the soil properties that

affect the ease of developing picnic areas and that influence trafficability and the

growth of vegetation after development. Slope and stoniness are the main concerns

affecting the development of picnic areas. For good trafficability, the surface of picnic

areas should absorb rainfall readily, remain firm under heavy foot traffic, and not be

dusty when dry. The soil properties that influence trafficability are texture of the surface

layer, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat),

and large stones. The soil properties that affect the growth of plants are depth to
94 Soil Survey of

bedrock or a cemented pan, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and toxic

substances in the soil.

Playgrounds require soils that are nearly level, are free of stones, and can

withstand intensive foot traffic. The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect

the ease of developing playgrounds and that influence trafficability and the growth of

vegetation after development. Slope and stoniness are the main concerns affecting the

development of playgrounds. For good trafficability, the surface of the playgrounds

should absorb rainfall readily, remain firm under heavy foot traffic, and not be dusty

when dry. The soil properties that influence trafficability are texture of the surface layer,

depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and

large stones. The soil properties that affect the growth of plants are depth to bedrock

or a cemented pan, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and toxic substances in

the soil.

Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding should require little or no slope

modification through cutting and filling. The ratings are based on the soil properties

that affect trafficability and erodibility. These properties are stoniness, depth to a water

table, ponding, flooding, slope, and texture of the surface layer.

Off-road motorcycle trails require little or no site preparation. They are not covered

with surfacing material or vegetation. Considerable compaction of the soil material is

likely. The ratings are based on the soil properties that influence erodibility, trafficability,

dustiness, and the ease of revegetation. These properties are stoniness, slope, depth

to a water table, ponding, flooding, and texture of the surface layer.

Golf fairways are subject to heavy foot traffic and some light vehicular traffic. Cutting

or filling may be required. Irrigation is not considered in the ratings. The ratings are

based on the soil properties that affect plant growth and trafficability after vegetation is

established. The properties that affect plant growth are reaction; depth to a water table;

ponding; depth to bedrock or a cemented pan; the available water capacity in the

upper 40 inches; the content of salts, sodium, or calcium carbonate; and sulfidic

materials. The properties that affect trafficability are flooding, depth to a water table,

ponding, slope, stoniness, and the amount of sand, clay, or organic matter in the

surface layer. The suitability of the soil for traps, tees, roughs, and greens is not

considered in the ratings.

Wildlife Habitat

Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that is available to wildlife as food and

cover. They also affect the construction of water impoundments. The kind and

abundance of wildlife depend largely on the amount and distribution of food, cover, and

water. Wildlife habitat can be created or improved by planting appropriate vegetation,

by maintaining the existing plant cover, or by promoting the natural establishment of

desirable plants.

The soils in the survey area are evaluated according to their potential for providing

habitat for various kinds of wildlife. This information can be used in planning parks,

wildlife refuges, nature study areas, and other developments for wildlife; in selecting

soils that are suitable for establishing, improving, or maintaining specific elements of

wildlife habitat; and in determining the intensity of management needed for each

element of the habitat. Specific information is available at the local office of the Natural

Resources Conservation Service.

The elements of wildlife habitat are described in the following paragraphs.

Grain and seed crops are domestic grains and seed-producing herbaceous plants.

Soil properties and features that affect the growth of grain and seed crops are depth of

the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water capacity, wetness, slope,
Richland County, Wisconsin 95

surface stoniness, and flooding. Soil temperature and soil moisture also are

considerations. Examples of grain and seed crops are corn, soybeans, wheat, oats,

and barley.

Grasses and legumes are domestic perennial grasses and herbaceous legumes.

Soil properties and features that affect the growth of grasses and legumes are depth

of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water capacity, wetness, surface

stoniness, flooding, and slope. Soil temperature and soil moisture also are

considerations. Examples of grasses and legumes are bromegrass, timothy,

orchardgrass, clover, alfalfa, wheatgrass, and birdsfoot trefoil.

Wild herbaceous plants are native or naturally established grasses and forbs,

including weeds. Soil properties and features that affect the growth of these plants are

depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water capacity, wetness,

surface stoniness, and flooding. Soil temperature and soil moisture also are

considerations. Examples of wild herbaceous plants are bluestems, indiangrass,

blueberry, goldenrod, lambsquarters, dandelions, blackberry, ragweed, and

nightshade.

Hardwood trees and woody understory produce nuts or other fruit, buds, catkins,

twigs, bark, and foliage. Soil properties and features that affect the growth of hardwood

trees and shrubs are depth of the root zone, available water capacity, and wetness.

Examples of these plants are oak, poplar, box elder, birch, maple, green ash, willow,

and American elm. Examples of fruit-producing shrubs that are suitable for planting on

soils rated good are Russian olive and crabapple.

Coniferous plants furnish browse and seeds. Soil properties and features that affect

the growth of coniferous trees, shrubs, and ground cover are depth of the root zone,

available water capacity, and wetness. Examples of coniferous plants are pine, spruce,

cedar, and tamarack.

Wetland plants are annual and perennial wild herbaceous plants that grow on moist

or wet sites. Submerged or floating aquatic plants are excluded. Soil properties and

features affecting wetland plants are texture of the surface layer, wetness, reaction,

salinity, slope, and surface stoniness. Examples of wetland plants are smartweeds,

wild millet, rushes, sedges, bulrushes, wild rice, arrowhead, waterplantain, cattail,

prairie cordgrass, bluejoint grass, asters, and beggarticks.

Shallow water areas have an average depth of less than 5 feet. Some are naturally

wet areas. Others are created by dams, levees, or other water-control structures. Soil

properties and features affecting shallow water areas are depth to bedrock, wetness,

surface stoniness, slope, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Examples of

shallow water areas are waterfowl feeding areas, wildlife watering developments,

beaver ponds, and other wildlife ponds.

The habitat for various kinds of wildlife is described in the following paragraphs.

Habitat for openland wildlife consists of cropland, pasture, meadows, and areas that

are overgrown with grasses, herbs, shrubs, and vines. These areas produce grain and

seed crops, grasses and legumes, and wild herbaceous plants. Wildlife attracted to

these areas include Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail,

sharp-tailed grouse, meadowlark, field sparrow, killdeer, cottontail rabbit, and red fox.

Habitat for woodland wildlife consists of areas of deciduous and/or coniferous plants

and associated grasses, legumes, and wild herbaceous plants. Wildlife attracted to

these areas include wild turkey, ruffed grouse, thrushes, woodpeckers, owls, tree

squirrels, porcupine, raccoon, white-tailed deer, and black bear.

Habitat for wetland wildlife consists of open, marshy or swampy shallow water

areas. Some of the wildlife attracted to such areas are ducks, geese, herons, bitterns,

rails, kingfishers, muskrat, otter, mink, and beaver.
96 Soil Survey of

Engineering

This section provides information for planning land uses related to urban

development and to water management. Soils are rated for various uses, and the most

limiting features are identified. The ratings are based on observed performance of the

soils and on the data in the various soil properties reports available through the Soil

Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov).

Information in this section is intended for land use planning, for evaluating land use

alternatives, and for planning site investigations prior to design and construction. The

information, however, has limitations. For example, estimates and other data generally

apply only to that part of the soil between the surface and a depth of 5 to 7 feet.

Because of the map scale, small areas of different soils may be included within the

mapped areas of a specific soil.

The information is not site specific and does not eliminate the need for onsite

investigation of the soils or for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in the

design and construction of engineering works.

Government ordinances and regulations that restrict certain land uses or impose

specific design criteria were not considered in preparing the information in this section.

Local ordinances and regulations should be considered in planning, in site selection,

and in design.

Soil properties, site features, and observed performance were considered in

determining the ratings described in this section. During the fieldwork for this soil

survey, determinations were made about particle-size distribution, liquid limit, plasticity

index, soil reaction, depth to bedrock, hardness of bedrock within 5 to 7 feet of the

surface, soil wetness, depth to a water table, ponding, slope, likelihood of flooding,

natural soil structure aggregation, and soil density. Data were collected about kinds of

clay minerals, mineralogy of the sand and silt fractions, and the kinds of adsorbed

cations. Estimates were made for erodibility, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat),

corrosivity, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, and other behavioral

characteristics affecting engineering uses.

This information can be used to evaluate the potential of areas for residential,

commercial, industrial, and recreational uses; make preliminary estimates of

construction conditions; evaluate alternative routes for roads, streets, highways,

pipelines, and underground cables; evaluate alternative sites for sanitary facilities; plan

detailed onsite investigations of soils and geology; locate potential sources of

construction material; plan structures for water management; and predict performance

of proposed small structures and pavements by comparing the performance of existing

similar structures on the same or similar soils.

The information in the tables, along with the soil maps, the soil descriptions, and

other data provided in this survey, can be used to make additional interpretations.

Some of the terms used in this soil survey have a special meaning in soil science

and are defined in the Glossary.

Building Site Development

The tables described in this section are accessible through the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings”

• “Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns and Landscaping”

Soil properties influence the development of building sites, including the selection of

the site, the design of the structure, construction, performance after construction, and

maintenance. The tables described in this section show the degree and kind of soil
Richland County, Wisconsin 97

limitations that affect dwellings with and without basements, small commercial

buildings, local roads and streets, shallow excavations, and lawns and landscaping.

The ratings in the tables are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate

the extent to which the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect building

site development. Not limited indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable

for the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can be expected.

Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for

the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning,

design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected.

Very limited indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for

the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil

reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance

and high maintenance can be expected.

Numerical ratings in the tables indicate the severity of individual limitations. The

ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

Dwellings are single-family houses of three stories or less. For dwellings without

basements, the foundation is assumed to consist of spread footings of reinforced

concrete built on undisturbed soil at a depth of 2 feet or at the depth of maximum frost

penetration, whichever is deeper. For dwellings with basements, the foundation is

assumed to consist of spread footings of reinforced concrete built on undisturbed soil

at a depth of about 7 feet. The ratings for dwellings are based on the soil properties

that affect the capacity of the soil to support a load without movement and on the

properties that affect excavation and construction costs. The properties that affect the

load-supporting capacity include depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, subsidence,

linear extensibility (shrink-swell potential), and compressibility. Compressibility is

inferred from the Unified classification. The properties that affect the ease and amount

of excavation include depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, slope, depth to bedrock

or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a cemented pan, and the amount and size

of rock fragments.

Small commercial buildings are structures that are less than three stories high and

do not have basements. The foundation is assumed to consist of spread footings of

reinforced concrete built on undisturbed soil at a depth of 2 feet or at the depth of

maximum frost penetration, whichever is deeper. The ratings are based on the soil

properties that affect the capacity of the soil to support a load without movement and

on the properties that affect excavation and construction costs. The properties that

affect the load-supporting capacity include depth to a water table, ponding, flooding,

subsidence, linear extensibility (shrink-swell potential), and compressibility (which is

inferred from the Unified classification). The properties that affect the ease and amount

of excavation include flooding, depth to a water table, ponding, slope, depth to bedrock

or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a cemented pan, and the amount and size

of rock fragments.

Local roads and streets have an all-weather surface and carry automobile and light

truck traffic all year. They have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material; a base of gravel,

crushed rock, or soil material stabilized by lime or cement; and a surface of flexible

material (asphalt), rigid material (concrete), or gravel with a binder. The ratings are

based on the soil properties that affect the ease of excavation and grading and the

traffic-supporting capacity. The properties that affect the ease of excavation and

grading are depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a cemented

pan, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, the amount of large stones, and slope.

The properties that affect the traffic-supporting capacity are soil strength (as inferred

from the AASHTO group index number), subsidence, linear extensibility (shrink-swell

potential), the potential for frost action, depth to a water table, and ponding.
98 Soil Survey of

Shallow excavations are trenches or holes dug to a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet

for graves, utility lines, open ditches, or other purposes. The ratings are based on the

soil properties that influence the ease of digging and the resistance to sloughing.

Depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, hardness of bedrock or a cemented pan, the

amount of large stones, and dense layers influence the ease of digging, filling, and

compacting. Depth to the seasonal high water table, flooding, and ponding may restrict

the period when excavations can be made. Slope influences the ease of using

machinery. Soil texture, depth to the water table, and linear extensibility (shrink-swell

potential) influence the resistance to sloughing.

Lawns and landscaping require soils on which turf and ornamental trees and shrubs

can be established and maintained. Irrigation is not considered in the ratings. The

ratings are based on the soil properties that affect plant growth and trafficability after

vegetation is established. The properties that affect plant growth are reaction; depth to

a water table; ponding; depth to bedrock or a cemented pan; the available water

capacity in the upper 40 inches; the content of salts, sodium, or calcium carbonate;

and sulfidic materials. The properties that affect trafficability are flooding, depth to a

water table, ponding, slope, stoniness, and the amount of sand, clay, or organic matter

in the surface layer.

Sanitary Facilities

The tables described in this section are accessible through the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Sewage Disposal”

• “Landfills”

These tables show the degree and kind of soil limitations that affect septic tank

absorption fields, sewage lagoons, sanitary landfills, and daily cover for landfill. The

ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which

the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect these uses. Not limited

indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable for the specified use. Good

performance and very low maintenance can be expected. Somewhat limited indicates

that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The

limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning, design, or installation.

Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. Very limited indicates

that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The

limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special

design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance

can be expected.

Numerical ratings in the tables indicate the severity of individual limitations. The

ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

Septic tank absorption fields are areas in which effluent from a septic tank is

distributed into the soil through subsurface tiles or perforated pipe. Only that part of the

soil between depths of 24 and 60 inches is evaluated. The ratings are based on the

soil properties that affect absorption of the effluent, construction and maintenance of

the system, and public health. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to a water

table, ponding, depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, and flooding affect absorption of

the effluent. Stones and boulders, ice, and bedrock or a cemented pan interfere with

installation. Subsidence interferes with installation and maintenance. Excessive slope

may cause lateral seepage and surfacing of the effluent in downslope areas.

Some soils are underlain by loose sand and gravel or fractured bedrock at a depth

of less than 4 feet below the distribution lines. In these soils the absorption field may
Richland County, Wisconsin 99

not adequately filter the effluent, particularly when the system is new. As a result, the

ground water may become contaminated.

Sewage lagoons are shallow ponds constructed to hold sewage while aerobic

bacteria decompose the solid and liquid wastes. Lagoons should have a nearly level

floor surrounded by cut slopes or embankments of compacted soil. Nearly impervious

soil material for the lagoon floor and sides is required to minimize seepage and

contamination of ground water. Considered in the ratings are slope, saturated

hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to a water table, ponding, depth to bedrock or a

cemented pan, flooding, large stones, and content of organic matter.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is a critical property affecting the suitability

for sewage lagoons. Most porous soils eventually become sealed when they are used

as sites for sewage lagoons. Until sealing occurs, however, the hazard of pollution is

severe. Soils that have a Ksat rate of more than 14 micrometers per second are too

porous for the proper functioning of sewage lagoons. In these soils, seepage of the

effluent can result in contamination of the ground water. Ground-water contamination

is also a hazard if fractured bedrock is within a depth of 40 inches, if the water table is

high enough to raise the level of sewage in the lagoon, or if floodwater overtops the

lagoon.

A high content of organic matter is detrimental to proper functioning of the lagoon

because it inhibits aerobic activity. Slope, bedrock, and cemented pans can cause

construction problems, and large stones can hinder compaction of the lagoon floor. If

the lagoon is to be uniformly deep throughout, the slope must be gentle enough and

the soil material must be thick enough over bedrock or a cemented pan to make land

smoothing practical.

A trench sanitary landfill is an area where solid waste is placed in successive layers

in an excavated trench. The waste is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin

layer of soil excavated at the site. When the trench is full, a final cover of soil material

at least 2 feet thick is placed over the landfill. The ratings in the table are based on the

soil properties that affect the risk of pollution, the ease of excavation, trafficability, and

revegetation. These properties include saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to

bedrock or a cemented pan, depth to a water table, ponding, slope, flooding, texture,

stones and boulders, highly organic layers, soil reaction, and content of salts and

sodium. Unless otherwise stated, the ratings apply only to that part of the soil within a

depth of about 6 feet. For deeper trenches, onsite investigation may be needed.

Hard, nonrippable bedrock, creviced bedrock, or highly permeable strata in or

directly below the proposed trench bottom can affect the ease of excavation and the

hazard of ground-water pollution. Slope affects construction of the trenches and the

movement of surface water around the landfill. It also affects the construction and

performance of roads in areas of the landfill.

Soil texture and consistence affect the ease with which the trench is dug and the

ease with which the soil can be used as daily or final cover. They determine the

workability of the soil when dry and when wet. Soils that are plastic and sticky when

wet are difficult to excavate, grade, or compact and are difficult to place as a uniformly

thick cover over a layer of refuse.

The soil material used as the final cover for a trench landfill should be suitable for

plants. It should not have excess sodium or salts and should not be too acid. The

surface layer generally has the best workability, the highest content of organic matter,

and the best potential for plants. Material from the surface layer should be stockpiled

for use as the final cover.

In an area sanitary landfill, solid waste is placed in successive layers on the surface

of the soil. The waste is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin layer of soil

from a source away from the site. A final cover of soil material at least 2 feet thick is

placed over the completed landfill. The ratings in the table are based on the soil

properties that affect trafficability and the risk of pollution. These properties include
100 Soil Survey of

flooding, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to a water table, ponding,

slope, and depth to bedrock or a cemented pan.

Flooding is a serious problem because it can result in pollution in areas

downstream from the landfill. If the downward movement of water through the soil

profile is too rapid or if fractured bedrock, a fractured cemented pan, or the water table

is close to the surface, the leachate can contaminate the water supply. Slope is a

consideration because of the extra grading required to maintain roads in the steeper

areas of the landfill. Also, leachate may flow along the surface of the soils in the

steeper areas and cause difficult seepage problems.

Daily cover for landfill is the soil material that is used to cover compacted solid

waste in an area sanitary landfill. The soil material is obtained offsite, transported to

the landfill, and spread over the waste. The ratings in the table also apply to the final

cover for a landfill. They are based on the soil properties that affect workability, the

ease of digging, and the ease of moving and spreading the material over the refuse

daily during wet and dry periods. These properties include soil texture, depth to a

water table, ponding, rock fragments, slope, depth to bedrock or a cemented pan,

reaction, and content of salts, sodium, or lime.

Loamy or silty soils that are free of large stones and excess gravel are the best

cover for a landfill. Clayey soils may be sticky and difficult to spread; sandy soils are

subject to wind erosion.

Slope affects the ease of excavation and of moving the cover material. Also, it can

influence runoff, erosion, and reclamation of the borrow area.

After soil material has been removed, the soil material remaining in the borrow area

must be thick enough over bedrock, a cemented pan, or the water table to permit

revegetation. The soil material used as the final cover for a landfill should be suitable

for plants. It should not have excess sodium, salts, or lime and should not be too acid.

Construction Materials

The tables described in this section are available through the Soil Data Explorer/Soil

Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Source of Sand and Gravel”

• “Source of Reclamation Material, Roadfill, and Topsoil”

Tables showing interpretations for construction materials rate the soils as potential

sources of these materials. Normal compaction, minor processing, and other standard

construction practices are assumed.

Gravel and sand are natural aggregates suitable for commercial use with a

minimum of processing. They are used in many kinds of construction. Specifications

for each use vary widely. In the table “Source of Sand and Gravel,” only the likelihood

of finding material in suitable quantity is evaluated. The suitability of the material for

specific purposes is not evaluated, nor are factors that affect excavation of the

material. The properties used to evaluate the soil as a source of sand or gravel are

gradation of grain sizes (as indicated by the Unified classification of the soil), the

thickness of suitable material, and the content of rock fragments. If the bottom layer of

the soil contains sand or gravel, the soil is considered a likely source regardless of

thickness. The assumption is that the sand or gravel layer below the depth of

observation exceeds the minimum thickness.

The soils are rated good, fair, or poor as potential sources of sand and gravel. A

rating of good or fair means that the source material is likely to be in or below the soil.

The bottom layer and the thickest layer of the soils are assigned numerical ratings.

These ratings indicate the likelihood that the layer is a source of sand or gravel. The

number 0.00 indicates that the layer is a poor source. The number 1.00 indicates that
Richland County, Wisconsin 101

the layer is a good source. A number between 0.00 and 1.00 indicates the degree to

which the layer is a likely source.

In the report “Source of Reclamation Material, Roadfill, and Topsoil,” the rating class

terms are good, fair, and poor. The features that limit the soils as sources of these

materials are specified in the tables. The numerical ratings given after the specified

features indicate the degree to which the features limit the soils as sources of

reclamation material, roadfill, and topsoil. The lower the number, the greater the

limitation.

Reclamation material is used in areas that have been drastically disturbed by

surface mining or similar activities. When these areas are reclaimed, layers of soil

material or unconsolidated geological material, or both, are replaced in a vertical

sequence. The reconstructed soil favors plant growth. The ratings in the table do not

apply to quarries and other mined areas that require an offsite source of

reconstruction material. The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect erosion

and stability of the surface and the productive potential of the reconstructed soil. These

properties include the content of sodium, salts, and calcium carbonate; reaction;

available water capacity; erodibility; texture; content of rock fragments; and content of

organic matter and other features that affect fertility.

Roadfill is soil material that is excavated in one place and used in road

embankments in another place. In this table, the soils are rated as a source of roadfill

for low embankments, generally less than 6 feet high and less exacting in design than

higher embankments.

The ratings are for the whole soil, from the surface to a depth of about 5 feet. It is

assumed that soil layers will be mixed when the soil material is excavated and spread.

The ratings are based on the amount of suitable material and on soil properties that

affect the ease of excavation and the performance of the material after it is in place.

The thickness of the suitable material is a major consideration. The ease of excavation

is affected by large stones, depth to a water table, and slope. How well the soil

performs in place after it has been compacted and drained is determined by its

strength (as inferred from the AASHTO classification of the soil) and linear extensibility

(shrink-swell potential).

Topsoil is used to cover an area so that vegetation can be established and

maintained. The upper 40 inches of a soil is evaluated for use as topsoil. Also

evaluated is the reclamation potential of the borrow area. The ratings are based on the

soil properties that affect plant growth; the ease of excavating, loading, and spreading

the material; and reclamation of the borrow area. Toxic substances, soil reaction, and

the properties that are inferred from soil texture, such as available water capacity and

fertility, affect plant growth. The ease of excavating, loading, and spreading is affected

by rock fragments, slope, depth to a water table, soil texture, and thickness of suitable

material. Reclamation of the borrow area is affected by slope, depth to a water table,

rock fragments, depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, and toxic material.

The surface layer of most soils is generally preferred for topsoil because of its

organic matter content. Organic matter greatly increases the absorption and retention

of moisture and nutrients for plant growth.

Water Management

The “Ponds and Embankments” table, which is available through the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov), gives information

on the soil properties and site features that affect pond reservoir areas; embankments,

dikes, and levees; and aquifer-fed excavated ponds. The ratings are both verbal and

numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to which the soils are limited by all of

the soil features that affect these uses. Not limited indicates that the soil has features

that are very favorable for the specified use. Good performance and very low
102 Soil Survey of

maintenance can be expected. Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features

that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or

minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate

maintenance can be expected. Very limited indicates that the soil has one or more

features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be

overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation

procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected.

Numerical ratings in the table indicate the severity of individual limitations. The

ratings are shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate

gradations between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact

on the use (1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

Pond reservoir areas hold water behind a dam or embankment. Soils best suited to

this use have low seepage potential in the upper 60 inches. The seepage potential is

determined by the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of the soil and the depth to

fractured bedrock or other permeable material. Excessive slope can affect the storage

capacity of the reservoir area.

Embankments, dikes, and levees are raised structures of soil material, generally

less than 20 feet high, constructed to impound water or to protect land against

overflow. Embankments that have zoned construction (core and shell) are not

considered. In this table, the soils are rated as a source of material for embankment

fill. The ratings apply to the soil material below the surface layer to a depth of 5 or 6

feet. It is assumed that soil layers will be uniformly mixed and compacted during

construction.

The ratings do not indicate the ability of the natural soil to support an embankment.

Soil properties to a depth even greater than the height of the embankment can affect

performance and safety of the embankment. Generally, deeper onsite investigation is

needed to determine these properties.

Soil material in embankments must be resistant to seepage, piping, and erosion

and have favorable compaction characteristics. Unfavorable features include less than

5 feet of suitable material and a high content of stones or boulders, organic matter, or

salts or sodium. A high water table affects the amount of usable material. It also affects

trafficability.

Aquifer-fed excavated ponds are pits or dugouts that extend to a ground-water

aquifer or to a depth below a permanent water table. Excluded are ponds that are fed

only by surface runoff and embankment ponds that impound water 3 feet or more

above the original surface. Excavated ponds are affected by depth to a permanent

water table, permeability of the aquifer, and quality of the water as inferred from the

salinity of the soil. Depth to bedrock and the content of large stones affect the ease of

excavation.

Agricultural Waste Management

The tables described in this section are available through the Soil Data Explorer/Soil

Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). The titles are:

• “Agricultural Disposal of Manure, Food-Processing Waste, and Sewage Sludge”

• “Agricultural Disposal of Wastewater by Irrigation and Overland Flow”

• “Agricultural Disposal of Wastewater by Rapid Infiltration and Slow Rate Treatment”

Soil properties are important considerations in areas where soils are used as sites

for the treatment and disposal of organic waste and wastewater. Selection of soils with

properties that favor waste management can help to prevent environmental damage.

Tables showing interpretations for agricultural waste management indicate the

degree and kind of soil limitations affecting the treatment of agricultural waste,

including municipal and food-processing wastewater and effluent from lagoons or
Richland County, Wisconsin 103

storage ponds. Municipal wastewater is the waste stream from a municipality. It

contains domestic waste and may contain industrial waste. It may have received

primary or secondary treatment. It is rarely untreated sewage. Food-processing

wastewater results from the preparation of fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and meats

for public consumption. In places it is high in content of sodium and chloride. In the

context of these tables, the effluent in lagoons and storage ponds is from facilities

used to treat or store food-processing wastewater or domestic or animal waste.

Domestic and food-processing wastewater is very dilute, and the effluent from the

facilities that treat or store it commonly is very low in content of carbonaceous and

nitrogenous material; the content of nitrogen commonly ranges from 10 to 30

milligrams per liter. The wastewater from animal waste treatment lagoons or storage

ponds, however, has much higher concentrations of these materials, mainly because

the manure has not been diluted as much as the domestic waste. The content of

nitrogen in this wastewater generally ranges from 50 to 2,000 milligrams per liter.

When wastewater is applied, checks should be made to ensure that nitrogen, heavy

metals, and salts are not added in excessive amounts.

The ratings are for waste management systems that not only dispose of and treat

organic waste or wastewater but also are beneficial to crops (application of manure

and food-processing waste, application of sewage sludge, and disposal of wastewater

by irrigation) and for waste management systems that are designed only for the

purpose of wastewater disposal and treatment (overland flow of wastewater, rapid

infiltration of wastewater, and slow rate treatment of wastewater).

The ratings are both verbal and numerical. Rating class terms indicate the extent to

which the soils are limited by all of the soil features that affect agricultural waste

management. Not limited indicates that the soil has features that are very favorable for

the specified use. Good performance and very low maintenance can be expected.

Somewhat limited indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for

the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning,

design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected.

Very limited indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for

the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil

reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance

and high maintenance can be expected.

Numerical ratings indicate the severity of individual limitations. The ratings are

shown as decimal fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1.00. They indicate gradations

between the point at which a soil feature has the greatest negative impact on the use

(1.00) and the point at which the soil feature is not a limitation (0.00).

Application of manure and food-processing waste not only disposes of waste

material but also can improve crop production by increasing the supply of nutrients in

the soils where the material is applied. Manure is the excrement of livestock and

poultry, and food-processing waste is damaged fruit and vegetables and the peelings,

stems, leaves, pits, and soil particles removed in food preparation. The manure and

food-processing waste are either solid, slurry, or liquid. Their nitrogen content varies. A

high content of nitrogen limits the application rate. Toxic or otherwise dangerous

wastes, such as those mixed with the lye used in food processing, are not considered

in the ratings.

The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect absorption, plant growth,

microbial activity, erodibility, the rate at which the waste is applied, and the method by

which the waste is applied. The properties that affect absorption include saturated

hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to a water table, ponding, the sodium adsorption

ratio, depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, and available water capacity. The

properties that affect plant growth and microbial activity include reaction, the sodium

adsorption ratio, salinity, and bulk density. The wind erodibility group, soil erosion factor

K, and slope are considered in estimating the likelihood that wind erosion or water
104 Soil Survey of

erosion will transport the waste material from the application site. Stones, cobbles, a

water table, ponding, and flooding can hinder the application of waste. Permanently

frozen soils are unsuitable for waste treatment.

Application of sewage sludge not only disposes of waste material but also can

improve crop production by increasing the supply of nutrients in the soils where the

material is applied. In the context of this table, sewage sludge is the residual product of

the treatment of municipal sewage. The solid component consists mainly of cell mass,

primarily bacteria cells that developed during secondary treatment and have

incorporated soluble organics into their own bodies. The sludge has small amounts of

sand, silt, and other solid debris. The content of nitrogen varies. Some sludge has

constituents that are toxic to plants or hazardous to the food chain, such as heavy

metals and exotic organic compounds, and should be analyzed chemically prior to

use.

The content of water in the sludge ranges from about 98 percent to less than 40

percent. The sludge is considered liquid if it is more than about 90 percent water,

slurry if it is about 50 to 90 percent water, and solid if it is less than about 50 percent

water.

The ratings in the table are based on the soil properties that affect absorption, plant

growth, microbial activity, erodibility, the rate at which the sludge is applied, and the

method by which the sludge is applied. The properties that affect absorption, plant

growth, and microbial activity include saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to

a water table, ponding, the sodium adsorption ratio, depth to bedrock or a cemented

pan, available water capacity, reaction, salinity, and bulk density. The wind erodibility

group, soil erosion factor K, and slope are considered in estimating the likelihood that

wind erosion or water erosion will transport the waste material from the application

site. Stones, cobbles, a water table, ponding, and flooding can hinder the application of

sludge. Permanently frozen soils are unsuitable for waste treatment.

Disposal of wastewater by irrigation not only disposes of municipal wastewater and

wastewater from food-processing plants, lagoons, and storage ponds but also can

improve crop production by increasing the amount of water available to crops. The

ratings in the table are based on the soil properties that affect the design, construction,

management, and performance of the irrigation system. The properties that affect

design and management include the sodium adsorption ratio, depth to a water table,

ponding, available water capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), slope, and

flooding. The properties that affect construction include stones, cobbles, depth to

bedrock or a cemented pan, depth to a water table, and ponding. The properties that

affect performance include depth to bedrock or a cemented pan, bulk density, the

sodium adsorption ratio, salinity, reaction, and the cation-exchange capacity, which is

used to estimate the capacity of a soil to adsorb heavy metals. Permanently frozen

soils are not suitable for disposal of wastewater by irrigation.

Overland flow of wastewater is a process in which wastewater is applied to the

upper reaches of sloped land and allowed to flow across vegetated surfaces,

sometimes called terraces, to runoff-collection ditches. The length of the run generally

is 150 to 300 feet. The application rate ranges from 2.5 to 16.0 inches per week. It

commonly exceeds the rate needed for irrigation of cropland. The wastewater leaves

solids and nutrients on the vegetated surfaces as it flows downslope in a thin film.

Most of the water reaches the collection ditch, some is lost through evapotranspiration,

and a small amount may percolate to the ground water.

The ratings in the table are based on the soil properties that affect absorption, plant

growth, microbial activity, and the design and construction of the system. Reaction and

the cation-exchange capacity affect absorption. Reaction, salinity, and the sodium

adsorption ratio affect plant growth and microbial activity. Slope, saturated hydraulic

conductivity (Ksat), depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, depth to bedrock or a
Richland County, Wisconsin 105

cemented pan, stones, and cobbles affect design and construction. Permanently

frozen soils are unsuitable for waste treatment.

Rapid infiltration of wastewater is a process in which wastewater applied in a level

basin at a rate of 4 to 120 inches per week percolates through the soil. The

wastewater may eventually reach the ground water. The application rate commonly

exceeds the rate needed for irrigation of cropland. Vegetation is not a necessary part

of the treatment; hence, the basins may or may not be vegetated. The thickness of the

soil material needed for proper treatment of the wastewater is more than 72 inches. As

a result, geologic and hydrologic investigation is needed to ensure proper design and

performance and to determine the risk of ground-water pollution.

The ratings in the table are based on the soil properties that affect the risk of

pollution and the design, construction, and performance of the system. Depth to a

water table, ponding, flooding, and depth to bedrock or a cemented pan affect the risk

of pollution and the design and construction of the system. Slope, stones, and cobbles

also affect design and construction. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and

reaction affect performance. Permanently frozen soils are unsuitable for waste

treatment.

Slow rate treatment of wastewater is a process in which wastewater is applied to

land at a rate normally between 0.5 inch and 4.0 inches per week. The application rate

commonly exceeds the rate needed for irrigation of cropland. The applied wastewater

is treated as it moves through the soil. Much of the treated water may percolate to the

ground water, and some enters the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. The

applied water generally is not allowed to run off the surface. Waterlogging is prevented

either through control of the application rate or through the use of tile drains, or both.

The ratings in the table are based on the soil properties that affect absorption, plant

growth, microbial activity, erodibility, and the application of waste. The properties that

affect absorption include the sodium adsorption ratio, depth to a water table, ponding,

available water capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), depth to bedrock or a

cemented pan, reaction, the cation-exchange capacity, and slope. Reaction, the

sodium adsorption ratio, salinity, and bulk density affect plant growth and microbial

activity. The wind erodibility group, soil erosion factor K, and slope are considered in

estimating the likelihood of wind erosion or water erosion. Stones, cobbles, a water

table, ponding, and flooding can hinder the application of waste. Permanently frozen

soils are unsuitable for waste treatment.
106 Soil Survey of

Forest Habitat Types

(See text for descriptions of the habitat types listed in this table)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map symbol and | Habitat | Dominance | Short scientific

 soil name | type | | name

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

20A: | | |

 Palms--------------------| Nvpd | Dominant |N/A (very poorly drained soil)

 | | |

 Houghton-----------------| Nvpd | Dominant |N/A (very poorly drained soil)

 | | |

21A: | | |

 Palms--------------------| Nvpd | Dominant |N/A (very poorly drained soil)

 | | |

115C2, 115D2: | | |

 Seaton-------------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

116C2, 116D2: | | |

 Churchtown---------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

116E2: | | |

 Churchtown---------------| ATiCa | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

117D2: | | |

 Brownchurch--------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

117E2: | | |

 Brownchurch--------------| ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

122B2: | | |

 Newhouse-----------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

123C2, 123D2: | | |

 Blackhammer--------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

126B: | | |

 Barremills---------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

132B2, 132C2: | | |

 Brinkman-----------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

133B2, 133C2, 133D2: | | |

 Valton-------------------| ATiSa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Sanguinaria

 | | |

134B2, 134C2: | | |

 Lamoille-----------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

137B, 137C: | | |

 Mickle-------------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

144B2, 144C2, 144D2: | | |

 NewGlarus----------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

161B2, 161C2, 161D2: | | |

 Fivepoints---------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

163E2: | | |

 Elbaville----------------| ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | ATiCa | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

231D: | | |

 Elevasil-----------------| PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |
Richland County, Wisconsin 107

Forest Habitat Types--Continued

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map symbol and | Habitat | Dominance | Short scientific

 soil name | type | | name

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

234C2, 234D2: | | |

 Basco--------------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

235F: | | |

 Keyesville---------------| ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

253C2: | | |

 Greenridge---------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

254C2, 254D2: | | |

 Norden-------------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

254E2: | | |

 Norden-------------------| ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | ATiDe(Pr) | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium-Prunus

 | | |

255E2, 255F: | | |

 Urne---------------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | | |

264C2, 264D2: | | |

 Rockbridge---------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

270B2, 270C2: | | |

 Port Byron---------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

284C2, 284D2: | | |

 Gillingham---------------| ArDe-V | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

293B2, 293C2, 293D2: | | |

 Muscoda------------------| ArDe-V | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

312B2: | | |

 Festina------------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

318A: | | |

 Bearpen------------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

326B2: | | |

 Medary-------------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

336A: | | |

 Toddville----------------| ATiCa | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

403A: | | |

 Dakota-------------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

413A: | | |

 Rasset-------------------| PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

424B, 424D2: | | |

 Merit--------------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

424F: | | |

 Merit--------------------| ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

433B: | | |

 Forkhorn-----------------| ArDe-V | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |
108 Soil Survey of

Forest Habitat Types--Continued

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map symbol and | Habitat | Dominance | Short scientific

 soil name | type | | name

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

434B, 434C2: | | |

 Bilson-------------------| ArDe-V | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

446A: | | |

 Merimod------------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

435B2, 435C2: | | |

 Nuxmaruhanixete----------| ATiDe(Pr) | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium-Prunus

 | | |

437A: | | |

 Balmoral-----------------| ATiDe(Pr) | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium-Prunus

 | | |

446A, 446B2: | | |

 Merimod------------------| ArCi-Ph | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

456A: | | |

 Bilmod-------------------| ArDe-V | Dominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

502B2, 502C2: | | |

 Chelsea------------------| PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

504A: | | |

 Sparta-------------------| PVGy | Dominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

508A: | | |

 Farrington---------------| PVRh | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Rubus

 | PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

511C: | | |

 Plainfield---------------| PVGy | Dominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

511F: | | |

 Plainfield---------------| PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | | |

568A: | | |

 Majik--------------------| PVRh | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Rubus

 | PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

572B2, 572C2: | | |

 Windward-----------------| PVCr | Dominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | | |

576B: | | |

 Tintson------------------| PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | | |

601C: | | |

 Beavercreek--------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

626A: | | |

 Arenzville---------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

628A: | | |

 Orion--------------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

629A: | | |

 Ettrick------------------| Npd | Dominant |N/A (poorly drained soil)

 | | |

656A: | | |

 Scotah-------------------| PVGy | Dominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |
Richland County, Wisconsin 109

Forest Habitat Types--Continued

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map symbol and | Habitat | Dominance | Short scientific

 soil name | type | | name

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

676A: | | |

 Kickapoo-----------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

743C2, 743D2: | | |

 Council------------------| ATiDe | Dominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

743E2: | | |

 Council------------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | ATiDe | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Desmodium

 | | |

1125F: | | |

 Dorerton-----------------| ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | ATiCa | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

 Elbaville----------------| ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | ATiCa | Codominant |Acer-Tilia/Caulophyllum

 | | |

1145F: | | |

 Gaphill------------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

 Rockbluff----------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVGy | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

1155F: | | |

 Brodale------------------| Nnw | Dominant |N/A (goat prairie)

 | | |

 Bellechester-------------| Nnw | Dominant |N/A (goat prairie)

 | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | |

 | | |

1505C2: | | |

 Sparta-------------------| PVGy | Dominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Gaylussacia

 | | |

 Blownout land------------| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

1648A: | | |

 Northbend----------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

 Ettrick------------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

1658A: | | |

 Algansee-----------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

 Kalmarville--------------| Nflp | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soil)

 | | |

1743F: | | |

 Council------------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

 Elevasil-----------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

 Norden-------------------| ArDe-V | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Desmodium (Vaccinium)

 | PVCr | Codominant |Pinus/Vaccinium-Cornus

 | ArCi-Ph | Codominant |Acer rubrum/Circaea (Phryma)

 | | |

2002: | | |

 Udorthents, earthen dams | Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |
110

Forest Habitat Types--Continued

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map symbol and | Habitat | Dominance | Short scientific

 soil name | type | | name

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

2003A: | | |

 Riverwash----------------| Nfld | Dominant |N/A (flood-plain soils)

 | | |

2013, 2014: | | |

 Pits---------------------| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

2030: | | |

 Udorthents, cut or fill--| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

 Udipsamments, cut or fill| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

2050: | | |

 Landfill-----------------| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

M-W: | | |

 Miscellaneous water------| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | |

W: | | |

 Water--------------------| Nma | Dominant |N/A (miscellaneous area)

 | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
111

Data relating to soil properties are collected during the course of the soil survey.

Soil properties are determined by field examination of the soils and by laboratory

index testing of some benchmark soils. Established standard procedures are followed.

During the survey, many shallow borings are made and examined to identify and

classify the soils and to delineate them on the soil maps. Samples are taken from

some typical profiles and tested in the laboratory to determine particle-size

distribution, plasticity, and compaction characteristics.

Estimates of soil properties are based on field examinations, on laboratory tests of

samples from the survey area, and on laboratory tests of samples of similar soils in

nearby areas. Tests verify field observations, verify properties that cannot be estimated

accurately by field observation, and help to characterize key soils.

The estimates of soil properties are shown in tables. They include engineering

properties, physical and chemical properties, and pertinent soil and water features.

Engineering Properties

The “Engineering Properties” table described in this section is available through the

Soil Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). It gives

the engineering classifications and the range of engineering properties for the layers of

each soil in the survey area.

Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated.

Texture is given in the standard terms used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

These terms are defined according to percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the fraction

of the soil that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. “Loam,” for example, is soil that is

7 to 27 percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52 percent sand. If the content

of particles coarser than sand is 15 percent or more, an appropriate modifier is added,

for example, “gravelly.” Textural terms are defined in the Glossary.

Classification of the soils is determined according to the Unified soil classification

system (ASTM, 2005) and the system adopted by the American Association of State

Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO, 2004).

The Unified system classifies soils according to properties that affect their use as

construction material. Soils are classified according to particle-size distribution of the

fraction less than 3 inches in diameter and according to plasticity index, liquid limit,

and organic matter content. Sandy and gravelly soils are identified as GW, GP, GM,

GC, SW, SP, SM, and SC; silty and clayey soils as ML, CL, OL, MH, CH, and OH; and

highly organic soils as PT. Soils exhibiting engineering properties of two groups can

have a dual classification, for example, CL-ML.

The AASHTO system classifies soils according to those properties that affect

roadway construction and maintenance. In this system, the fraction of a mineral soil

that is less than 3 inches in diameter is classified in one of seven groups from A-1

through A-7 on the basis of particle-size distribution, liquid limit, and plasticity index.

Soils in group A-1 are coarse grained and low in content of fines (silt and clay). At the

other extreme, soils in group A-7 are fine grained. Highly organic soils are classified in

group A-8 on the basis of visual inspection.

Soil Properties
112 Soil Survey of

If laboratory data are available, the A-1, A-2, and A-7 groups are further classified

as A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, A-2-5, A-2-6, A-2-7, A-7-5, or A-7-6. As an additional

refinement, the suitability of a soil as subgrade material can be indicated by a group

index number. Group index numbers range from 0 for the best subgrade material to 20

or higher for the poorest.

Rock fragments larger than 10 inches in diameter and 3 to 10 inches in diameter

are indicated as a percentage of the total soil on a dry-weight basis. The percentages

are estimates determined mainly by converting volume percentage in the field to

weight percentage.

Percentage (of soil particles) passing designated sieves is the percentage of the

soil fraction less than 3 inches in diameter based on an ovendry weight. The sieves,

numbers 4, 10, 40, and 200 (USA Standard Series), have openings of 4.76, 2.00,

0.420, and 0.074 millimeters, respectively. Estimates are based on laboratory tests of

soils sampled in the survey area and in nearby areas and on estimates made in the

field.

Liquid limit and plasticity index (Atterberg limits) indicate the plasticity

characteristics of a soil. The estimates are based on test data from the survey area or

from nearby areas and on field examination.

Physical Soil Properties

The “Physical Soil Properties” table described in this section is available through the

Soil Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). It shows

estimates of some physical characteristics and features that affect soil behavior. These

estimates are given for the layers of each soil in the survey area. The estimates are

based on field observations and on test data for these and similar soils.

Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated.

Particle size is the effective diameter of a soil particle as measured by

sedimentation, sieving, or micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as

classes with specific effective diameter class limits. The broad classes are sand, silt,

and clay, ranging from the larger to the smaller.

Sand as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.05 millimeter to

2 millimeters in diameter. In the table, the estimated sand content of each soil layer is

given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in

diameter.

Silt as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.002 to 0.05

millimeter in diameter. In the table, the estimated silt content of each soil layer is given

as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in

diameter.

Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002

millimeter in diameter. In the table, the estimated clay content of each soil layer is

given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in

diameter.

The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle

size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations, for determination of

soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification.

The amount and kind of clay affect the fertility and physical condition of the soil and

the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture. They influence shrinkswell potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), plasticity, the ease of soil

dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and kind of clay in a soil also affect

tillage and earthmoving operations.

Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry) per unit volume. Volume is

measured when the soil is at field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content at

1

/3- or 1/10-bar (33kPa or 10kPa) moisture tension. Weight is determined after the soil is
Richland County, Wisconsin 113

dried at 105 degrees C. In the table, the estimated moist bulk density of each soil

horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil material that is less than 2

millimeters in diameter. Bulk density data are used to compute linear extensibility,

shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total pore space, and other soil

properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space available for water

and roots. Depending on soil texture, a bulk density of more than 1.4 can restrict water

storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density is influenced by texture, kind of clay,

content of organic matter, and soil structure.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) refers to the ability of a soil to transmit water

or air. The estimates in the table indicate the rate of water movement, in micrometers

per second, when the soil is saturated. They are based on soil characteristics

observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Saturated hydraulic

conductivity (Ksat) is considered in the design of soil drainage systems and septic

tank absorption fields.

Available water capacity refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of

storing for use by plants. The capacity for water storage is given in inches of water per

inch of soil for each soil layer. The capacity varies, depending on soil properties that

affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of organic

matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil structure. Available water capacity is an

important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the design and

management of irrigation systems. Available water capacity is not an estimate of the

quantity of water actually available to plants at any given time.

Linear extensibility refers to the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture

content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. It is an expression of the volume

change between the water content of the clod at 1/3- or 1/10-bar tension (33kPa or

10kPa tension) and oven dryness. The volume change is reported in the table as

percent change for the whole soil. Volume change is influenced by the amount and

type of clay minerals in the soil.

Linear extensibility is used to determine the shrink-swell potential of soils. The

shrink-swell potential is low if the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3 percent;

moderate if 3 to 6 percent; high if 6 to 9 percent; and very high if more than 9 percent.

If the linear extensibility is more than 3, shrinking and swelling can cause damage to

buildings, roads, and other structures and to plant roots. Special design commonly is

needed.

Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the soil at various stages of

decomposition. In the table, the estimated content of organic matter is expressed as a

percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.

The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained by returning crop residue

to the soil. Organic matter has a positive effect on available water capacity, water

infiltration, soil organism activity, and tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and other nutrients

for crops and soil organisms.

Erosion factors are shown in the table as the K factor (Kw and Kf) and the T factor.

Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by water.

Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average annual rate of

soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based

primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and on soil structure and

saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other

factors being equal, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and

rill erosion by water.

Erosion factor Kw indicates the erodibility of the whole soil. The estimates are

modified by the presence of rock fragments.

Erosion factor Kf indicates the erodibility of the fine-earth fraction, or the material

less than 2 millimeters in size.
114 Soil Survey of

Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion

by wind or water that can occur without affecting crop productivity over a sustained

period. The rate is in tons per acre per year.

Wind erodibility groups are made up of soils that have similar properties affecting

their susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The soils assigned to group 1

are the most susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to group 8 are the least

susceptible. The groups are described in the “National Soil Survey Handbook,” which is

available in local offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or on the

Internet.

Wind erodibility index is a numerical value indicating the susceptibility of soil to wind

erosion, or the tons per acre per year that can be expected to be lost to wind erosion.

There is a close correlation between wind erosion and the texture of the surface layer,

the size and durability of surface clods, rock fragments, organic matter, and a

calcareous reaction. Soil moisture and frozen soil layers also influence wind erosion.

Chemical Soil Properties

The “Chemical Soil Properties” table described in this section is available through

the Soil Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). It

shows estimates of some chemical characteristics and features that affect soil

behavior. These estimates are given for the layers of each soil in the survey area. The

estimates are based on field observations and on test data for these and similar soils.

Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated.

Cation-exchange capacity is the total amount of extractable bases that can be held

by the soil, expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil at neutrality

(pH 7.0) or at some other stated pH value. Soils having a low cation-exchange

capacity hold fewer cations and may require more frequent applications of fertilizer

than soils having a high cation-exchange capacity. The ability to retain cations reduces

the hazard of ground-water pollution.

Effective cation-exchange capacity refers to the sum of extractable bases plus

aluminum expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil. It is determined

for soils that have pH of less than 5.5.

Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The pH of each soil horizon is

based on many field tests. For many soils, values have been verified by laboratory

analyses. Soil reaction is important in selecting crops and other plants, in evaluating

soil amendments for fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of corrosion.

Calcium carbonate equivalent is the percent of carbonates, by weight, in the fraction

of the soil less than 2 millimeters in size. The availability of plant nutrients is influenced

by the amount of carbonates in the soil. Incorporating nitrogen fertilizer into calcareous

soils helps to prevent nitrite accumulation and ammonium-N volatilization.

Gypsum is expressed as a percent, by weight, of hydrated calcium sulfates in the

fraction of the soil less than 20 millimeters in size. Gypsum is partially soluble in water.

Soils that have a high content of gypsum may collapse if the gypsum is removed by

percolating water.

Salinity is a measure of soluble salts in the soil at saturation. It is expressed as the

electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, in millimhos per centimeter at 25

degrees C. Estimates are based on field and laboratory measurements at

representative sites of nonirrigated soils. The salinity of irrigated soils is affected by the

quality of the irrigation water and by the frequency of water application. Hence, the

salinity of soils in individual fields can differ greatly from the value given in the table.

Salinity affects the suitability of a soil for crop production, the stability of soil if used as

construction material, and the potential of the soil to corrode metal and concrete.

Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is a measure of the amount of sodium (Na) relative

to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the water extract from saturated soil paste. It
Richland County, Wisconsin 115

is the ratio of the Na concentration divided by the square root of one-half of the Ca +

Mg concentration. Soils that have SAR values of 13 or more may be characterized by

an increased dispersion of organic matter and clay particles, reduced saturated

hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and aeration, and a general degradation of soil structure.

Water Features

The “Water Features” table described in this section is available through the Soil

Data Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). It gives

estimates of various water features. The estimates are used in land use planning that

involves engineering considerations.

Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are

assigned to one of four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils

are not protected by vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from

long-duration storms.

The four hydrologic soil groups are:

Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly

wet. These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or

gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.

Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These

consist chiefly of moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or well drained

soils that have moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have

a moderate rate of water transmission.

Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist

chiefly of soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils

of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water

transmission.

Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when

thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell potential,

soils that have a high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the

surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a

very slow rate of water transmission.

If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is

for drained areas and the second is for undrained areas.

Surface runoff refers to the loss of water from an area by flow over the land surface.

Surface runoff classes are based on slope, climate, and vegetative cover. It is

assumed that the surface of the soil is bare and that the retention of surface water

resulting from irregularities in the ground surface is minimal. The classes are

negligible, very low, low, medium, high, and very high.

The months in the table indicate the portion of the year in which the feature is most

likely to be a concern.

Water table refers to a saturated zone in the soil. The table indicates, by month,

depth to the top (upper limit) and base (lower limit) of the saturated zone in most

years. Estimates of the upper and lower limits are based mainly on observations of the

water table at selected sites and on evidence of a saturated zone, namely grayish

colors or mottles (redoximorphic features) in the soil. A saturated zone that lasts for

less than a month is not considered a water table.

Ponding is standing water in a closed depression. Unless a drainage system is

installed, the water is removed only by percolation, transpiration, or evaporation. The

table indicates surface water depth and the duration and frequency of ponding.

Duration is expressed as very brief if less than 2 days, brief if 2 to 7 days, long if 7 to

30 days, and very long if more than 30 days. Frequency is expressed as none, rare,

occasional, and frequent. None means that ponding is not probable; rare that it is

unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions (the chance of ponding is
116 Soil Survey of

nearly 0 percent to 5 percent in any year); occasional that it occurs, on the average,

once or less in 2 years (the chance of ponding is 5 to 50 percent in any year); and

frequent that it occurs, on the average, more than once in 2 years (the chance of

ponding is more than 50 percent in any year).

Flooding is the temporary inundation of an area caused by overflowing streams, by

runoff from adjacent slopes, or by tides. Water standing for short periods after rainfall

or snowmelt is not considered flooding, and water standing in swamps and marshes is

considered ponding rather than flooding.

Duration and frequency are estimated. Duration is expressed as extremely brief if

0.1 hour to 4 hours, very brief if 4 hours to 2 days, brief if 2 to 7 days, long if 7 to 30

days, and very long if more than 30 days. Frequency is expressed as none, very rare,

rare, occasional, frequent, and very frequent. None means that flooding is not

probable; very rare that it is very unlikely but possible under extremely unusual

weather conditions (the chance of flooding is less than 1 percent in any year); rare that

it is unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions (the chance of flooding is 1

to 5 percent in any year); occasional that it occurs infrequently under normal weather

conditions (the chance of flooding is 5 to 50 percent in any year); frequent that it is

likely to occur often under normal weather conditions (the chance of flooding is more

than 50 percent in any year but is less than 50 percent in all months in any year); and

very frequent that it is likely to occur very often under normal weather conditions (the

chance of flooding is more than 50 percent in all months of any year).

The information is based on evidence in the soil profile, namely thin strata of gravel,

sand, silt, or clay deposited by floodwater; irregular decrease in organic matter content

with increasing depth; and little or no horizon development.

Also considered are local information about the extent and levels of flooding and the

relation of each soil on the landscape to historic floods. Information on the extent of

flooding based on soil data is less specific than that provided by detailed engineering

surveys that delineate flood-prone areas at specific flood frequency levels.

Soil Features

The “Soil Features” table described in this section is available through the Soil Data

Explorer/Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey (http://soils.usda.gov). It gives estimates

of various soil features. The estimates are used in land use planning that involves

engineering considerations.

A restrictive layer is a nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical,

chemical, or thermal properties that significantly impede the movement of water and

air through the soil or that restrict roots or otherwise provide an unfavorable root

environment. Examples are bedrock, cemented layers, dense layers, and frozen

layers. The table indicates the hardness and thickness of the restrictive layer, both of

which significantly affect the ease of excavation. Depth to top is the vertical distance

from the soil surface to the upper boundary of the restrictive layer.

Subsidence is the settlement of organic soils or of saturated mineral soils of very

low density. Subsidence generally results from either desiccation and shrinkage or

oxidation of organic material, or both, following drainage. Subsidence takes place

gradually, usually over a period of several years. The table shows the expected initial

subsidence, which usually is a result of drainage, and total subsidence, which results

from a combination of factors.

Potential for frost action is the likelihood of upward or lateral expansion of the soil

caused by the formation of segregated ice lenses (frost heave) and the subsequent

collapse of the soil and loss of strength on thawing. Frost action occurs when moisture

moves into the freezing zone of the soil. Temperature, texture, density, saturated

hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), content of organic matter, and depth to the water table

are the most important factors considered in evaluating the potential for frost action. It
Richland County, Wisconsin 117

is assumed that the soil is not insulated by vegetation or snow and is not artificially

drained. Silty and highly structured, clayey soils that have a high water table in winter

are the most susceptible to frost action. Well drained, very gravelly, or very sandy soils

are the least susceptible. Frost heave and low soil strength during thawing cause

damage to pavements and other rigid structures.

Risk of corrosion pertains to potential soil-induced electrochemical or chemical

action that corrodes or weakens uncoated steel or concrete. The rate of corrosion of

uncoated steel is related to such factors as soil moisture, particle-size distribution,

acidity, and electrical conductivity of the soil. The rate of corrosion of concrete is based

mainly on the sulfate and sodium content, texture, moisture content, and acidity of the

soil. Special site examination and design may be needed if the combination of factors

results in a severe hazard of corrosion. The steel or concrete in installations that

intersect soil boundaries or soil layers is more susceptible to corrosion than the steel

or concrete in installations that are entirely within one kind of soil or within one soil

layer.

For uncoated steel, the risk of corrosion, expressed as low, moderate, or high, is

based on soil drainage class, total acidity, electrical resistivity near field capacity, and

electrical conductivity of the saturation extract.

For concrete, the risk of corrosion also is expressed as low, moderate, or high. It is

based on soil texture, acidity, and amount of sulfates in the saturation extract.

119

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004.

Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and

testing. 24th edition.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of

soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.

Borchart, J.R. 1950. The climate of the central North American grassland. Annals of

the Association of American Geographers 67(3): 323-342.

Kotar, John, and T.L. Burger. 1996. A guide to forest communities and habitat types of

central and southern Wisconsin. Department of Forestry, University of WisconsinMadison.

Kotar, John, J.A. Kovach, and G. Brand. 1999. Wisconsin forest statistics, 1996:

Analysis by habitat type class. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. North

Central Research Station General Technical Report NC-207.

Kotar, John, J.A. Kovach, and T.L. Burger. 2002. A guide to forest communities and

habitat types of northern Wisconsin. Department of Forest Ecology and Management,

University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Packard, Stephen, and Cornelia F. Mutel. 1997. The tallgrass restoration handbook for

prairies, savannas, and woodlands.

Ruhe, Robert V. 1975. Geomorphology.

Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S.

Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://soils.usda.gov/

Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making

and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436.

Soil Survey Staff. 2003. Keys to soil taxonomy. 9th edition. U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

United States Department of Agriculture. 1961. Land capability classification. Soil

Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210.

References
120

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the

Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. http://

soils.usda.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://soils.usda.gov/
121

Many of the terms relating to landforms, geology, and geomorphology are defined in

more detail in the “National Soil Survey Handbook” (available in local offices of the

Natural Resources Conservation Service or on the Internet).

Ablation till. Loose, relatively permeable earthy material deposited during the

downwasting of nearly static glacial ice, either contained within or accumulated on

the surface of the glacier.

Aeration, soil. The exchange of air in soil with air from the atmosphere. The air in a

well aerated soil is similar to that in the atmosphere; the air in a poorly aerated soil

is considerably higher in carbon dioxide and lower in oxygen.

Aggregate, soil. Many fine particles held in a single mass or cluster. Natural soil

aggregates, such as granules, blocks, or prisms, are called peds. Clods are

aggregates produced by tillage or logging.

Alluvium. Unconsolidated material, such as gravel, sand, silt, clay, and various

mixtures of these, deposited on land by running water.

Alpha,alpha-dipyridyl. A compound that when dissolved in ammonium acetate is

used to detect the presence of reduced iron (Fe II) in the soil. A positive reaction

implies reducing conditions and the likely presence of redoximorphic features.

Aquic conditions. Current soil wetness characterized by saturation, reduction, and

redoximorphic features.

Argillic horizon. A subsoil horizon characterized by an accumulation of illuvial clay.

Aspect. The direction toward which a slope faces. Also called slope aspect.

Association, soil. A group of soils or miscellaneous areas geographically associated

in a characteristic repeating pattern and defined and delineated as a single map

unit.

Available water capacity (available moisture capacity). The capacity of soils to hold

water available for use by most plants. It is commonly defined as the difference

between the amount of soil water at field moisture capacity and the amount at

wilting point. It is commonly expressed as inches of water per inch of soil. The

capacity, in inches, in a 60-inch profile or to a limiting layer is expressed as:

Very low ..............................................................0 to 3

Low ...................................................................... 3 to 6

Moderate ............................................................. 6 to 9

High ...................................................................9 to 12

Very high ................................................ more than 12

Backslope. The position that forms the steepest and generally linear, middle portion of

a hillslope. In profile, backslopes are commonly bounded by a convex shoulder

above and a concave footslope below.

Basal till. Compact till deposited beneath the glacial ice.

Base saturation. The degree to which material having cation-exchange properties is

saturated with exchangeable bases (sum of Ca, Mg, Na, and K), expressed as a

percentage of the total cation-exchange capacity.

Base slope (geomorphology). A geomorphic component of hills consisting of the

concave to linear (perpendicular to the contour) slope that, regardless of the

Glossary
122 Soil Survey of

lateral shape, forms an apron or wedge at the bottom of a hillside dominated by

colluvium and slope-wash sediments (for example, slope alluvium).

Beach deposits. Material, such as sand and gravel, that is generally laid down

parallel to an active or relict shoreline of a postglacial or glacial lake.

Beach ridge. A low, essentially continuous mound of beach or beach-and-dune

material accumulated by the action of waves and currents on the backshore of a

beach, beyond the present limit of storm waves or the reach of ordinary tides, and

occurring singly or as one of a series of approximately parallel deposits. The

ridges are roughly parallel to the shoreline and represent successive positions of

an advancing shoreline.

Bedding plane. A planar or nearly planar bedding surface that visibly separates each

successive layer of stratified sediment or rock (of the same or different lithology)

from the preceding or following layer; a plane of deposition. It commonly marks a

change in the circumstances of deposition and may show a parting, a color

difference, a change in particle size, or various combinations of these. The term is

commonly applied to any bedding surface, even one that is conspicuously bent or

deformed by folding.

Bedrock. The solid rock that underlies the soil and other unconsolidated material or

that is exposed at the surface.

Bedrock-controlled topography. A landscape where the configuration and relief of

the landforms are determined or strongly influenced by the underlying bedrock.

Bench terrace. A raised, level or nearly level strip of earth constructed on or nearly on

a contour, supported by a barrier of rocks or similar material, and designed to

make the soil suitable for tillage and to prevent accelerated erosion.

Bisequum. Two sequences of soil horizons, each of which consists of an illuvial

horizon and the overlying eluvial horizons.

Blowout. A saucer-, cup-, or trough-shaped depression formed by wind erosion on a

preexisting dune or other sand deposit, especially in an area of shifting sand or

loose soil or where protective vegetation is disturbed or destroyed; the adjoining

accumulation of sand derived from the depression, where recognizable, is

commonly included. Blowouts are commonly small.

Blowout (map symbol). A small saucer-, cup-, or trough-shaped hollow or depression

formed by wind erosion on a preexisting sand deposit. The areas are typically less

than 3 acres.

Board foot. A unit of measurement represented by a board 1 foot wide, 1 foot long,

and 1 inch thick.

Bog. Waterlogged, spongy ground, consisting primarily of mosses, containing acidic,

decaying vegetation (such as sphagnum, sedges, and heaths) that develops into

peat.

Borrow pit (map symbol). An open excavation from which soil and underlying

material have been removed, usually for construction purposes. The areas are

typically less than 3 acres.

Boulders. Rock fragments larger than 2 feet (60 centimeters) in diameter.

Brush management. Use of mechanical, chemical, or biological methods to make

conditions favorable for reseeding or to reduce or eliminate competition from

woody vegetation and thus allow understory grasses and forbs to recover. Brush

management increases forage production and thus reduces the hazard of erosion.

It can improve the habitat for some species of wildlife.

Calcareous soil. A soil containing enough calcium carbonate (commonly combined

with magnesium carbonate) to effervesce visibly when treated with cold, dilute

hydrochloric acid.

California bearing ratio (CBR). The load-supporting capacity of a soil as compared to

that of standard crushed limestone, expressed as a ratio. First standardized in

California. A soil having a CBR of 16 supports 16 percent of the load that would be
Richland County, Wisconsin 123

supported by standard crushed limestone, per unit area, with the same degree of

distortion.

Canopy. The leafy crown of trees or shrubs. (See Crown.)

Capillary water. Water held as a film around soil particles and in tiny spaces between

particles. Surface tension is the adhesive force that holds capillary water in the

soil.

Catena. A sequence, or “chain,” of soils on a landscape that formed in similar kinds of

parent material and under similar climatic conditions but that have different

characteristics as a result of differences in relief and drainage.

Cation. An ion carrying a positive charge of electricity. The common soil cations are

calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and hydrogen.

Cation-exchange capacity. The total amount of exchangeable cations that can be

held by the soil, expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil at

neutrality (pH 7.0) or at some other stated pH value. The term, as applied to soils,

is synonymous with base-exchange capacity but is more precise in meaning.

Catsteps. See Terracettes.

Channery soil material. Soil material that has, by volume, 15 to 35 percent thin, flat

fragments of sandstone, shale, slate, limestone, or schist as much as 6 inches (15

centimeters) along the longest axis. A single piece is called a channer.

Chemical treatment. Control of unwanted vegetation through the use of chemicals.

Chiseling. Tillage with an implement having one or more soil-penetrating points that

shatter or loosen hard, compacted layers to a depth below normal plow depth.

Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less than 0.002 millimeter in

diameter. As a soil textural class, soil material that is 40 percent or more clay, less

than 45 percent sand, and less than 40 percent silt.

Clay depletions. See Redoximorphic features.

Clay film. A thin coating of oriented clay on the surface of a soil aggregate or lining

pores or root channels. Synonyms: clay coating, clay skin.

Climax plant community. The stabilized plant community on a particular site. The

plant cover reproduces itself and does not change so long as the environment

remains the same.

Closed depression (map symbol). A shallow, saucer-shaped area that is slightly

lower on the landscape than the surrounding area and is without a natural outlet

for surface drainage. Typically less than 4 acres.

Coarse textured soil. Sand or loamy sand.

Cobble (or cobblestone). A rounded or partly rounded fragment of rock 3 to 10

inches (7.6 to 25 centimeters) in diameter.

Cobbly soil material. Material that has 15 to 35 percent, by volume, rounded or

partially rounded rock fragments 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to 25 centimeters) in

diameter. Very cobbly soil material has 35 to 60 percent of these rock fragments,

and extremely cobbly soil material has more than 60 percent.

COLE (coefficient of linear extensibility). See Linear extensibility.

Colluvium. Unconsolidated, unsorted earth material being transported or deposited

on side slopes and/or at the base of slopes by mass movement (e.g., direct

gravitational action) and by local, unconcentrated runoff.

Complex slope. Irregular or variable slope. Planning or establishing terraces,

diversions, and other water-control structures on a complex slope is difficult.

Complex, soil. A map unit of two or more kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas in such

an intricate pattern or so small in area that it is not practical to map them

separately at the selected scale of mapping. The pattern and proportion of the

soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas.

Concretions. See Redoximorphic features.

Conservation cropping system. Growing crops in combination with needed cultural

and management practices. In a good conservation cropping system, the soil-
124 Soil Survey of

improving crops and practices more than offset the effects of the soil-depleting

crops and practices. Cropping systems are needed on all tilled soils. Soilimproving practices in a conservation cropping system include the use of rotations

that contain grasses and legumes and the return of crop residue to the soil. Other

practices include the use of green manure crops of grasses and legumes, proper

tillage, adequate fertilization, and weed and pest control.

Conservation tillage. A tillage system that does not invert the soil and that leaves a

protective amount of crop residue on the surface throughout the year.

Consistence, soil. Refers to the degree of cohesion and adhesion of soil material and

its resistance to deformation when ruptured. Consistence includes resistance of

soil material to rupture and to penetration; plasticity, toughness, and stickiness of

puddled soil material; and the manner in which the soil material behaves when

subject to compression. Terms describing consistence are defined in the “Soil

Survey Manual.”

Contour stripcropping. Growing crops in strips that follow the contour. Strips of grass

or close-growing crops are alternated with strips of clean-tilled crops or summer

fallow.

Coprogenous earth (sedimentary peat). A type of limnic layer composed

predominantly of fecal material derived from aquatic animals.

Cord. A unit of measurement of stacked wood. A standard cord occupies 128 cubic

feet with dimensions of 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet.

Corrosion (geomorphology). A process of erosion whereby rocks and soil are

removed or worn away by natural chemical processes, especially by the solvent

action of running water, but also by other reactions, such as hydrolysis, hydration,

carbonation, and oxidation.

Corrosion (soil survey interpretations). Soil-induced electrochemical or chemical

action that dissolves or weakens concrete or uncoated steel.

Cover crop. A close-growing crop grown primarily to improve and protect the soil

between periods of regular crop production, or a crop grown between trees and

vines in orchards and vineyards.

Crop residue management. Returning crop residue to the soil, which helps to

maintain soil structure, organic matter content, and fertility and helps to control

erosion.

Cropping system. Growing crops according to a planned system of rotation and

management practices.

Cross-slope farming. Deliberately conducting farming operations on sloping farmland

in such a way that tillage is across the general slope.

Crown. The upper part of a tree or shrub, including the living branches and their

foliage.

Culmination of the mean annual increment (CMAI). The average annual increase

per acre in the volume of a stand. Computed by dividing the total volume of the

stand by its age. As the stand increases in age, the mean annual increment

continues to increase until mortality begins to reduce the rate of increase. The

point where the stand reaches its maximum annual rate of growth is called the

culmination of the mean annual increment.

Cut or fill area (map symbol). A small area where the original soil profile has been

altered by the addition or removal of more than about 1 foot of soil material. The

area is typically less than 3 acres.

Cutbanks cave (in tables). The walls of excavations tend to cave in or slough.

Decreasers. The most heavily grazed climax range plants. Because they are the most

palatable, they are the first to be destroyed by overgrazing.

Deferred grazing. Postponing grazing or resting grazing land for a prescribed period.
Richland County, Wisconsin 125

Delta. A body of alluvium having a surface that is fan shaped and nearly flat; deposited

at or near the mouth of a river or stream where it enters a body of relatively quiet

water, generally a sea or lake.

Dense layer (in tables). A very firm, massive layer that has a bulk density of more than

1.8 grams per cubic centimeter. Such a layer affects the ease of digging and can

affect filling and compacting.

Depression. Any relatively sunken part of the earth’s surface; especially a low-lying

area surrounded by higher ground. A closed depression has no natural outlet for

surface drainage. An open depression has a natural outlet for surface drainage.

Depth, soil. Generally, the thickness of the soil over bedrock. Very deep soils are more

than 60 inches deep over bedrock; deep soils, 40 to 60 inches; moderately deep,

20 to 40 inches; shallow, 10 to 20 inches; and very shallow, less than 10 inches.

Disintegration moraine. A drift topography characterized by chaotic mounds and pits,

generally randomly oriented, developed in supraglacial drift by collapse and flow

as the underlying stagnant ice melted. Slopes may be steep and unstable. Abrupt

changes between materials of differing lithology are common.

Diversion (or diversion terrace). A ridge of earth, generally a terrace, built to protect

downslope areas by diverting runoff from its natural course.

Drainage class (natural). Refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods under

conditions similar to those under which the soil formed. Alterations of the water

regime by human activities, either through drainage or irrigation, are not a

consideration unless they have significantly changed the morphology of the soil.

Seven classes of natural soil drainage are recognized—excessively drained,

somewhat excessively drained, well drained, moderately well drained, somewhat

poorly drained, poorly drained, and very poorly drained. These classes are defined

in the “Soil Survey Manual.”

Drainage, surface. Runoff, or surface flow of water, from an area.

Drainageway. A general term for a course or channel along which water moves in

draining an area. A term restricted to relatively small, linear depressions that at

some time move concentrated water and either do not have a defined channel or

have only a small defined channel.

Drift. A general term applied to all mineral material (clay, silt, sand, gravel, and

boulders) transported by a glacier and deposited directly by or from the ice or

transported by running water emanating from a glacier. Drift includes unstratified

material (till) that forms moraines and stratified deposits that form outwash plains,

eskers, kames, varves, and glaciofluvial sediments. The term is generally applied

to Pleistocene glacial deposits in areas that no longer contain glaciers.

Drumlin. A low, smooth, elongated oval hill, mound, or ridge of compact till that has a

core of bedrock or drift. It commonly has a blunt nose facing the direction from

which the ice approached and a gentler slope tapering in the other direction. The

longer axis is parallel to the general direction of glacier flow. Drumlins are products

of streamline (laminar) flow of glaciers, which molded the subglacial floor through

a combination of erosion and deposition.

Dry spot (map symbol). A small area of moderately well drained to excessively

drained soil within a poorly drained or very poorly drained area of mineral soil, or a

somewhat poorly drained to excessively drained soil within a map unit consisting

mainly of organic soil. Each symbol represents one area or several closely

grouped areas totaling less than 4 acres.

Duff. A generally firm organic layer on the surface of mineral soils. It consists of fallen

plant material that is in the process of decomposition and includes everything from

the litter on the surface to underlying pure humus.

Eluviation. The movement of material in true solution or colloidal suspension from one

place to another within the soil. Soil horizons that have lost material through

eluviation are eluvial; those that have received material are illuvial.
126 Soil Survey of

End moraine. A ridgelike accumulation produced at the outer margin of an actively

flowing glacier at any given time.

Endosaturation. A type of saturation of the soil in which all horizons between the

upper boundary of saturation and a depth of 2 meters are saturated.

Eolian deposit. Sand-, silt-, or clay-sized clastic material transported and deposited

primarily by wind, commonly in the form of a dune or a sheet of sand or loess.

Ephemeral stream. A stream, or reach of a stream, that flows only in direct response

to precipitation. It receives no long-continued supply from melting snow or other

source, and its channel is above the water table at all times.

Episaturation. A type of saturation indicating a perched water table in a soil in which

saturated layers are underlain by one or more unsaturated layers within 2 meters

of the surface.

Erosion. The wearing away of the land surface by water, wind, ice, or other geologic

agents and by such processes as gravitational creep.

Erosion (geologic). Erosion caused by geologic processes acting over long

geologic periods and resulting in the wearing away of mountains and the building

up of such landscape features as flood plains and coastal plains. Synonym: natural

erosion.

Erosion (accelerated). Erosion much more rapid than geologic erosion, mainly as

a result of human or animal activities or of a catastrophe in nature, such as a fire,

that exposes the surface.

Erosion pavement. A surficial lag concentration or layer of gravel and other rock

fragments that remains on the soil surface after sheet or rill erosion or wind has

removed the finer soil particles and that tends to protect the underlying soil from

further erosion.

Erosion surface. A land surface shaped by the action of erosion, especially by

running water.

Escarpment. A relatively continuous and steep slope or cliff breaking the general

continuity of more gently sloping land surfaces and resulting from erosion or

faulting. Most commonly applied to cliffs produced by differential erosion.

Escarpment, bedrock (map symbol). A relatively continuous and steep slope or cliff

breaking the general continuity of more gently sloping land surfaces and resulting

from erosion or faulting. Exposed material is hard or soft bedrock.

Escarpment, nonbedrock (map symbol). A relatively continuous and steep slope or

cliff breaking the general continuity of more gently sloping land surfaces and

resulting from erosion or faulting. Exposed material is nonsoil or very shallow soil.

Esker. A long, narrow, sinuous, steep-sided ridge of stratified sand and gravel

deposited as the bed of a stream flowing in an ice tunnel within or below the ice

(subglacial) or between ice walls on top of the ice of a wasting glacier and left

behind as high ground when the ice melted. Eskers range in length from less than

a kilometer to more than 160 kilometers and in height from 3 to 30 meters.

Fan remnant. A general term for landforms that are the remaining parts of older fan

landforms, such as alluvial fans, that have been either dissected or partially

buried.

Fertility, soil. The quality that enables a soil to provide plant nutrients, in adequate

amounts and in proper balance, for the growth of specified plants when light,

moisture, temperature, tilth, and other growth factors are favorable.

Fibric soil material (peat). The least decomposed of all organic soil material. Peat

contains a large amount of well preserved fiber that is readily identifiable

according to botanical origin. Peat has the lowest bulk density and the highest

water content at saturation of all organic soil material.

Field moisture capacity. The moisture content of a soil, expressed as a percentage

of the ovendry weight, after the gravitational, or free, water has drained away; the
Richland County, Wisconsin 127

field moisture content 2 or 3 days after a soaking rain; also called normal field

capacity, normal moisture capacity, or capillary capacity.

Fine textured soil. Sandy clay, silty clay, or clay.

Firebreak. An area cleared of flammable material to stop or help control creeping or

running fires. It also serves as a line from which to work and to facilitate the

movement of firefighters and equipment. Designated roads also serve as

firebreaks.

Flaggy soil material. Material that has, by volume, 15 to 35 percent flagstones. Very

flaggy soil material has 35 to 60 percent flagstones, and extremely flaggy soil

material has more than 60 percent flagstones.

Flagstone. A thin fragment of sandstone, limestone, slate, shale, or (rarely) schist 6 to

15 inches (15 to 38 centimeters) long.

Flood plain. The nearly level plain that borders a stream and is subject to flooding

unless protected artificially.

Flood-plain landforms. A variety of constructional and erosional features produced

by stream channel migration and flooding. Examples include backswamps, floodplain splays, meanders, meander belts, meander scrolls, oxbow lakes, and natural

levees.

Flood-plain splay. A fan-shaped deposit or other outspread deposit formed where an

overloaded stream breaks through a levee (natural or artificial) and deposits its

material (commonly coarse grained) on the flood plain.

Flood-plain step. An essentially flat, terrace-like alluvial surface within a valley that is

frequently covered by floodwater from the present stream; any approximately

horizontal surface still actively modified by fluvial scour and/or deposition. May

occur individually or as a series of steps.

Fluvial. Of or pertaining to rivers or streams; produced by stream or river action.

Footslope. The concave surface at the base of a hillslope. A footslope is a transition

zone between upslope sites of erosion and transport (shoulders and backslopes)

and downslope sites of deposition (toeslopes).

Forb. Any herbaceous plant not a grass or a sedge.

Forest cover. All trees and other woody plants (underbrush) covering the ground in a

forest.

Forest habitat type. An association of dominant tree and ground flora species in a

climax community.

Fragipan. A loamy, brittle subsurface horizon low in porosity and content of organic

matter and low or moderate in clay but high in silt or very fine sand. A fragipan

appears cemented and restricts roots. When dry, it is hard or very hard and has a

higher bulk density than the horizon or horizons above. When moist, it tends to

rupture suddenly under pressure rather than to deform slowly.

Genesis, soil. The mode of origin of the soil. Refers especially to the processes or

soil-forming factors responsible for the formation of the solum, or true soil, from

the unconsolidated parent material.

Glaciofluvial deposits. Material moved by glaciers and subsequently sorted and

deposited by streams flowing from the melting ice. The deposits are stratified and

occur in the form of outwash plains, valley trains, deltas, kames, eskers, and kame

terraces.

Glaciolacustrine deposits. Material ranging from fine clay to sand derived from

glaciers and deposited in glacial lakes mainly by glacial meltwater. Many deposits

are bedded or laminated.

Gleyed soil. Soil that formed under poor drainage, resulting in the reduction of iron

and other elements in the profile and in gray colors.

Graded stripcropping. Growing crops in strips that grade toward a protected

waterway.
128 Soil Survey of

Grassed waterway. A natural or constructed waterway, typically broad and shallow,

seeded to grass as protection against erosion. Conducts surface water away from

cropland.

Gravel. Rounded or angular fragments of rock as much as 3 inches (2 millimeters to

7.6 centimeters) in diameter. An individual piece is a pebble.

Gravel pit (map symbol). An open excavation from which soil and underlying material

have been removed and used, without crushing, as a source of sand or gravel.

Typically less than 4 acres.

Gravelly soil material. Material that has 15 to 35 percent, by volume, rounded or

angular rock fragments, not prominently flattened, as much as 3 inches (7.6

centimeters) in diameter.

Gravelly spot (map symbol). An area where the surface layer has more than 35

percent, by volume, rock fragments that are mostly less than 3 inches in diameter.

The area is typically less than 3 acres.

Green manure crop (agronomy). A soil-improving crop grown to be plowed under in

an early stage of maturity or soon after maturity.

Ground water. Water filling all the unblocked pores of the material below the water

table.

Gully. A small channel with steep sides caused by erosion and cut in unconsolidated

materials by concentrated but intermittent flow of water. The distinction between a

gully and a rill is one of depth. A gully generally is an obstacle to farm machinery

and is too deep to be obliterated by ordinary tillage; a rill is of lesser depth and can

be smoothed over by ordinary tillage.

Gully (map symbol). A small channel with steep sides, cut by running water, through

which water ordinarily runs only after a rain or after melting of snow or ice. It

generally is an obstacle to wheeled vehicles and is too deep to be obliterated by

ordinary tillage.

Hard bedrock. Bedrock that cannot be excavated except by blasting or by the use of

special equipment that is not commonly used in construction.

Hard to reclaim (in tables). Reclamation is difficult after the removal of soil for

construction and other uses. Revegetation and erosion control are extremely

difficult.

Head slope (geomorphology). A geomorphic component of hills consisting of a

laterally concave area of a hillside, especially at the head of a drainageway. The

overland waterflow is converging.

Hemic soil material (mucky peat). Organic soil material intermediate in degree of

decomposition between the less decomposed fibric material and the more

decomposed sapric material.

High-residue crops. Such crops as small grain and corn used for grain. If properly

managed, residue from these crops can be used to control erosion until the next

crop in the rotation is established. These crops return large amounts of organic

matter to the soil.

Hill. A generic term for an elevated area of the land surface, rising as much as 1,000

feet above surrounding lowlands, commonly of limited summit area and having a

well defined outline. Slopes are generally more than 15 percent. The distinction

between a hill and a mountain is arbitrary and may depend on local usage.

Hillslope. A generic term for the steeper part of a hill between its summit and the

drainage line, valley flat, or depression floor at the base of a hill.

Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to the surface, having distinct

characteristics produced by soil-forming processes. In the identification of soil

horizons, an uppercase letter represents the major horizons. Numbers or

lowercase letters that follow represent subdivisions of the major horizons. An

explanation of the subdivisions is given in the “Soil Survey Manual.” The major

horizons of mineral soil are as follows:
Richland County, Wisconsin 129

O horizon.—An organic layer of fresh and decaying plant residue.

L horizon.—A layer of organic and mineral limnic materials, including coprogenous

earth (sedimentary peat), diatomaceous earth, and marl.

A horizon.—The mineral horizon at or near the surface in which an accumulation

of humified organic matter is mixed with the mineral material. Also, a plowed

surface horizon, most of which was originally part of a B horizon.

E horizon.—The mineral horizon in which the main feature is loss of silicate clay,

iron, aluminum, or some combination of these.

B horizon.—The mineral horizon below an A horizon. The B horizon is in part a

layer of transition from the overlying A to the underlying C horizon. The B horizon

also has distinctive characteristics, such as (1) accumulation of clay, sesquioxides,

humus, or a combination of these; (2) prismatic or blocky structure; (3) redder or

browner colors than those in the A horizon; or (4) a combination of these.

C horizon.—The mineral horizon or layer, excluding indurated bedrock, that is little

affected by soil-forming processes and does not have the properties typical of the

overlying soil material. The material of a C horizon may be either like or unlike that

in which the solum formed. If the material is known to differ from that in the solum,

an Arabic numeral, commonly a 2, precedes the letter C.

Cr horizon.—Soft, consolidated bedrock beneath the soil.

R layer.—Consolidated bedrock beneath the soil. The bedrock commonly

underlies a C horizon, but it can be directly below an A or a B horizon.

Humus. The well decomposed, more or less stable part of the organic matter in

mineral soils.

Hydrologic soil groups. Refers to soils grouped according to their runoff potential.

The soil properties that influence this potential are those that affect the minimum

rate of water infiltration on a bare soil during periods after prolonged wetting when

the soil is not frozen. These properties are depth to a seasonal high water table,

the infiltration rate and permeability after prolonged wetting, and depth to a very

slowly permeable layer. The slope and the kind of plant cover are not considered

but are separate factors in predicting runoff.

Ice-walled lake plain. A relict surface marking the floor of an extinct lake basin that

was formed on solid ground and surrounded by stagnant ice in a stable or

unstable superglacial environment on stagnation moraines. As the ice melted, the

lake plain became perched above the adjacent landscape. The lake plain is well

sorted, generally fine textured, stratified deposits.

Igneous rock. Rock that was formed by cooling and solidification of magma and that

has not been changed appreciably by weathering since its formation. Major

varieties include plutonic and volcanic rock (e.g., andesite, basalt, and granite).

Illuviation. The movement of soil material from one horizon to another in the soil

profile. Generally, material is removed from an upper horizon and deposited in a

lower horizon.

Impervious soil. A soil through which water, air, or roots penetrate slowly or not at all.

No soil is absolutely impervious to air and water all the time.

Increasers. Species in the climax vegetation that increase in amount as the more

desirable plants are reduced by close grazing. Increasers commonly are the

shorter plants and the less palatable to livestock.

Infiltration. The downward entry of water into the immediate surface of soil or other

material, as contrasted with percolation, which is movement of water through soil

layers or material.

Infiltration capacity. The maximum rate at which water can infiltrate into a soil under

a given set of conditions.

Infiltration rate. The rate at which water penetrates the surface of the soil at any given

instant, usually expressed in inches per hour. The rate can be limited by the

infiltration capacity of the soil or the rate at which water is applied at the surface.
130 Soil Survey of

Intake rate. The average rate of water entering the soil under irrigation. Most soils

have a fast initial rate; the rate decreases with application time. Therefore, intake

rate for design purposes is not a constant but is a variable depending on the net

irrigation application. The rate of water intake, in inches per hour, is expressed as

follows:

Less than 0.2 ................................................. very low

0.2 to 0.4 ................................................................ low

0.4 to 0.75 ........................................... moderately low

0.75 to 1.25 .................................................. moderate

1.25 to 1.75 ....................................... moderately high

1.75 to 2.5 ............................................................. high

More than 2.5 ............................................... very high

Interfluve. A landform composed of the relatively undissected upland or ridge

between two adjacent valleys containing streams flowing in the same general

direction. An elevated area between two drainageways that sheds water to those

drainageways.

Interfluve (geomorphology). A geomorphic component of hills consisting of the

uppermost, comparatively level or gently sloping area of a hill; shoulders of

backwearing hillslopes can narrow the upland or can merge, resulting in a strongly

convex shape.

Intermittent stream. A stream, or reach of a stream, that does not flow year-round but

that is commonly dry for 3 or more months out of 12 and whose channel is

generally below the local water table. It flows only during wet periods or when it

receives ground-water discharge or long, continued contributions from melting

snow or other surface and shallow subsurface sources.

Invaders. On range, plants that encroach into an area and grow after the climax

vegetation has been reduced by grazing. Generally, plants invade following

disturbance of the surface.

Iron depletions. See Redoximorphic features.

Irrigation. Application of water to soils to assist in production of crops. Methods of

irrigation are:

Basin.—Water is applied rapidly to nearly level plains surrounded by levees or

dikes.

Border.—Water is applied at the upper end of a strip in which the lateral flow of

water is controlled by small earth ridges called border dikes, or borders.

Controlled flooding.—Water is released at intervals from closely spaced field

ditches and distributed uniformly over the field.

Corrugation.—Water is applied to small, closely spaced furrows or ditches in fields

of close-growing crops or in orchards so that it flows in only one direction.

Drip (or trickle).—Water is applied slowly and under low pressure to the surface of

the soil or into the soil through such applicators as emitters, porous tubing, or

perforated pipe.

Furrow.—Water is applied in small ditches made by cultivation implements.

Furrows are used for tree and row crops.

Sprinkler.—Water is sprayed over the soil surface through pipes or nozzles from a

pressure system.

Subirrigation.—Water is applied in open ditches or tile lines until the water table is

raised enough to wet the soil.

Wild flooding.—Water, released at high points, is allowed to flow onto an area

without controlled distribution.

Island (map symbol). A small area of mineral soil within a body of water and above

the normal water level. The island is a relatively permanent feature. The areas are

typically less than 3 acres.
Richland County, Wisconsin 131

Kame. A low mound, knob, hummock, or short irregular ridge composed of stratified

sand and gravel deposited by a subglacial stream as a fan or delta at the margin

of a melting glacier; by a supraglacial stream in a low place or hole on the surface

of the glacier; or as a ponded deposit on the surface or at the margin of stagnant

ice.

Karst (topography). A kind of topography that formed in limestone, gypsum, or other

soluble rocks by dissolution and that is characterized by closed depressions,

sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage.

Knoll. A small, low, rounded hill rising above adjacent landforms.

Ksat. Saturated hydraulic conductivity. (See Permeability.)

Lacustrine deposit. Material deposited in lake water and exposed when the water

level is lowered or the elevation of the land is raised.

Lake plain. A nearly level surface marking the floor of an extinct lake filled by well

sorted, generally fine textured, stratified deposits, commonly containing varves.

Lake terrace. A narrow shelf, partly cut and partly built, produced along a lakeshore in

front of a scarp line of low cliffs and later exposed when the water level falls.

Landfill (map symbol). An area of accumulated waste products of human habitation.

Can be above or below natural ground level. The area is typically less than 3

acres.

Landslide. A general, encompassing term for most types of mass movement

landforms and processes involving the downslope transport and outward

deposition of soil and rock materials caused by gravitational forces; the movement

may or may not involve saturated materials. The speed and distance of movement,

as well as the amount of soil and rock material, vary greatly.

Large stones (in tables). Rock fragments 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) or more across.

Large stones adversely affect the specified use of the soil.

Leaching. The removal of soluble material from soil or other material by percolating

water.

Levee (map symbol). An embankment built to confine or control water, especially one

built along the banks of a river to prevent overflow onto lowlands.

Linear extensibility. Refers to the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture

content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. Linear extensibility is used to

determine the shrink-swell potential of soils. It is an expression of the volume

change between the water content of the clod at 1

/3- or 1/10-bar tension (33kPa or

10kPa tension) and oven dryness. Volume change is influenced by the amount and

type of clay minerals in the soil. The volume change is the percent change for the

whole soil. If it is expressed as a fraction, the resulting value is COLE, coefficient

of linear extensibility.

Liquid limit. The moisture content at which the soil passes from a plastic to a liquid

state.

Loam. Soil material that is 7 to 27 percent clay particles, 28 to 50 percent silt particles,

and less than 52 percent sand particles.

Loess. Material transported and deposited by wind and consisting dominantly of siltsized particles.

Low strength. The soil is not strong enough to support loads.

Low-residue crops. Such crops as corn used for silage, peas, beans, and potatoes.

Residue from these crops is not adequate to control erosion until the next crop in

the rotation is established. These crops return little organic matter to the soil.

Marl. An earthy, unconsolidated deposit consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate mixed

with clay in approximately equal proportions; formed primarily under freshwater

lacustrine conditions but also formed in more saline environments.

Mass movement. A generic term for the dislodgment and downslope transport of soil

and rock material as a unit under direct gravitational stress.

Masses. See Redoximorphic features.
132 Soil Survey of

Mechanical treatment. Use of mechanical equipment for seeding, brush

management, and other management practices.

Medium textured soil. Very fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam, or silt.

Metamorphic rock. Rock of any origin altered in mineralogical composition, chemical

composition, or structure by heat, pressure, and movement at depth in the earth’s

crust. Nearly all such rocks are crystalline.

Mine or quarry (map symbol). An open excavation from which soil and underlying

material are removed, exposing the bedrock. Also used to denote surface

openings to underground mines. The areas are typically less than 3 acres.

Mine spoil. An accumulation of displaced earthy material, rock, or other waste

material removed during mining or excavation. Also called earthy fill.

Mineral soil. Soil that is mainly mineral material and low in organic material. Its bulk

density is more than that of organic soil.

Minimum tillage. Only the tillage essential to crop production and prevention of soil

damage.

Miscellaneous area. A kind of map unit that has little or no natural soil and supports

little or no vegetation.

Moderately coarse textured soil. Coarse sandy loam, sandy loam, or fine sandy

loam.

Moderately fine textured soil. Clay loam, sandy clay loam, or silty clay loam.

Mollic epipedon. A thick, dark, humus-rich surface horizon (or horizons) that has high

base saturation and pedogenic soil structure. It may include the upper part of the

subsoil.

Moraine. In terms of glacial geology, a mound, ridge, or other topographically distinct

accumulation of unsorted, unstratified drift, predominantly till, deposited primarily

by the direct action of glacial ice in a variety of landforms. Also, a general term for

a landform composed mainly of till (except for kame moraines, which are

composed mainly of stratified outwash) that has been deposited by a glacier.

Some types of moraines are disintegration, end, ground, kame, lateral,

recessional, and terminal.

Morphology, soil. The physical makeup of the soil, including the texture, structure,

porosity, consistence, color, and other physical, mineral, and biological properties

of the various horizons, and the thickness and arrangement of those horizons in

the soil profile.

Mottling, soil. Irregular spots of different colors that vary in number and size.

Descriptive terms are as follows: abundance—few, common, and many; size—fine,

medium, and coarse; and contrast—faint, distinct, and prominent. The size

measurements are of the diameter along the greatest dimension. Fine indicates

less than 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch); medium, from 5 to 15 millimeters (about

0.2 to 0.6 inch); and coarse, more than 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inch).

Muck. Dark, finely divided, well decomposed organic soil material. (See Sapric soil

material.)

Mudstone. A blocky or massive, fine grained sedimentary rock in which the

proportions of clay and silt are approximately equal. Also, a general term for such

material as clay, silt, claystone, siltstone, shale, and argillite and that should be

used only when the amounts of clay and silt are not known or cannot be precisely

identified.

Munsell notation. A designation of color by degrees of three simple variables—hue,

value, and chroma. For example, a notation of 10YR 6/4 is a color with hue of

10YR, value of 6, and chroma of 4.

Neutral soil. A soil having a pH value of 6.6 to 7.3. (See Reaction, soil.)

Nodules. See Redoximorphic features.

Nose slope (geomorphology). A geomorphic component of hills consisting of the

projecting end (laterally convex area) of a hillside. The overland waterflow is
Richland County, Wisconsin 133

predominantly divergent. Nose slopes consist dominantly of colluvium and slopewash sediments (for example, slope alluvium).

Nutrient, plant. Any element taken in by a plant essential to its growth. Plant nutrients

are mainly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron,

manganese, copper, boron, and zinc obtained from the soil and carbon, hydrogen,

and oxygen obtained from the air and water.

Organic matter. Plant and animal residue in the soil in various stages of

decomposition. The content of organic matter in the surface layer is described as

follows:

Very low .................................... less than 0.5 percent

Low .................................................. 0.5 to 1.0 percent

Moderately low ............................... 1.0 to 2.0 percent

Moderate ......................................... 2.0 to 4.0 percent

High ................................................. 4.0 to 8.0 percent

Very high ................................. more than 8.0 percent

Outwash. Stratified and sorted sediments (chiefly sand and gravel) removed or

“washed out” from a glacier by meltwater streams and deposited in front of or

beyond the end moraine or the margin of a glacier. The coarser material is

deposited nearer to the ice.

Outwash plain. An extensive lowland area of coarse textured glaciofluvial material. An

outwash plain is commonly smooth; where pitted, it generally is low in relief.

Parent material. The unconsolidated organic and mineral material in which soil forms.

Peat. Unconsolidated material, largely undecomposed organic matter, that has

accumulated under excess moisture. (See Fibric soil material.)

Ped. An individual natural soil aggregate, such as a granule, a prism, or a block.

Pedisediment. A layer of sediment, eroded from the shoulder and backslope of an

erosional slope, that lies on and is being (or was) transported across a gently

sloping erosional surface at the foot of a receding hill or mountain slope.

Pedon. The smallest volume that can be called “a soil.” A pedon is three dimensional

and large enough to permit study of all horizons. Its area ranges from about 10 to

100 square feet (1 square meter to 10 square meters), depending on the variability

of the soil.

Percolation. The movement of water through the soil.

Perennial water (map symbol). A small, natural or constructed lake, pond, or pit that

contains water most of the year. The areas are typically less than 3 acres.

Permeability. The quality of the soil that enables water or air to move downward

through the profile. The rate at which a saturated soil transmits water is accepted

as a measure of this quality. In soil physics, the rate is referred to as “saturated

hydraulic conductivity,” which is defined in the “Soil Survey Manual.” In line with

conventional usage in the engineering profession and with traditional usage in

published soil surveys, this rate of flow continues to be expressed as

“permeability.” Terms describing permeability, measured in inches per hour, are as

follows:

Impermeable .............................less than 0.0015 inch

Very slow ..................................... 0.0015 to 0.06 inch

Slow ................................................... 0.06 to 0.2 inch

Moderately slow ................................... 0.2 to 0.6 inch

Moderate .................................. 0.6 inch to 2.0 inches

Moderately rapid .............................. 2.0 to 6.0 inches

Rapid ................................................. 6.0 to 20 inches

Very rapid ................................... more than 20 inches
134 Soil Survey of

pH value. A numerical designation of acidity and alkalinity in soil. (See Reaction, soil.)

Phase, soil. A subdivision of a soil series based on features that affect its use and

management, such as slope, stoniness, and flooding.

Piping (in tables). Formation of subsurface tunnels or pipelike cavities by water

moving through the soil.

Pitted outwash plain. An outwash plain marked by many irregular depressions, such

as kettles, shallow pits, and potholes, which formed by melting of incorporated ice

masses; common in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Pitting (in tables). Pits caused by melting around ice. They form on the soil after plant

cover is removed.

Plastic limit. The moisture content at which a soil changes from semisolid to plastic.

Plasticity index. The numerical difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit;

the range of moisture content within which the soil remains plastic.

Plateau (geomorphology). A comparatively flat area of great extent and elevation;

specifically, an extensive land region that is considerably elevated (more than 100

meters) above the adjacent lower lying terrain, is commonly limited on at least one

side by an abrupt descent, and has a flat or nearly level surface. A comparatively

large part of a plateau surface is near summit level.

Plowpan. A compacted layer formed in the soil directly below the plowed layer.

Poletimber. Hardwood trees ranging from 5 to 11 inches in diameter and conifers

ranging from 5 to 9 inches in diameter at breast height.

Ponding. Standing water on soils in closed depressions. Unless the soils are

artificially drained, the water can be removed only by percolation or

evapotranspiration.

Poorly graded. Refers to a coarse grained soil or soil material consisting mainly of

particles of nearly the same size. Because there is little difference in size of the

particles, density can be increased only slightly by compaction.

Pore linings. See Redoximorphic features.

Potential native plant community. See Climax plant community.

Potential rooting depth (effective rooting depth). Depth to which roots could

penetrate if the content of moisture in the soil were adequate. The soil has no

properties restricting the penetration of roots to this depth.

Prescribed burning. Deliberately burning an area for specific management purposes,

under the appropriate conditions of weather and soil moisture and at the proper

time of day.

Productivity, soil. The capability of a soil for producing a specified plant or sequence

of plants under specific management.

Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil extending through all its horizons and into

the parent material.

Proper grazing use. Grazing at an intensity that maintains enough cover to protect

the soil and maintain or improve the quantity and quality of the desirable

vegetation. This practice increases the vigor and reproduction capacity of the key

plants and promotes the accumulation of litter and mulch necessary to conserve

soil and water.

Rangeland. Land on which the potential natural vegetation is predominantly grasses,

grasslike plants, forbs, or shrubs suitable for grazing or browsing. It includes

natural grasslands, savannas, many wetlands, some deserts, tundras, and areas

that support certain forb and shrub communities.

Reaction, soil. A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a soil, expressed as pH values. A

soil that tests to pH 7.0 is described as precisely neutral in reaction because it is
Richland County, Wisconsin 135

neither acid nor alkaline. The degrees of acidity or alkalinity, expressed as pH

values, are:

Ultra acid ................................................. less than 3.5

Extremely acid ............................................. 3.5 to 4.4

Very strongly acid ........................................ 4.5 to 5.0

Strongly acid ................................................ 5.1 to 5.5

Moderately acid ........................................... 5.6 to 6.0

Slightly acid ................................................. 6.1 to 6.5

Neutral ......................................................... 6.6 to 7.3

Slightly alkaline ........................................... 7.4 to 7.8

Moderately alkaline ..................................... 7.9 to 8.4

Strongly alkaline .......................................... 8.5 to 9.0

Very strongly alkaline .......................... 9.1 and higher

Redoximorphic concentrations. See Redoximorphic features.

Redoximorphic depletions. See Redoximorphic features.

Redoximorphic features. Redoximorphic features are associated with wetness and

result from alternating periods of reduction and oxidation of iron and manganese

compounds in the soil. Reduction occurs during saturation with water, and

oxidation occurs when the soil is not saturated. Characteristic color patterns are

created by these processes. The reduced iron and manganese ions may be

removed from a soil if vertical or lateral fluxes of water occur, in which case there

is no iron or manganese precipitation in that soil. Wherever the iron and

manganese are oxidized and precipitated, they form either soft masses or hard

concretions or nodules. Movement of iron and manganese as a result of

redoximorphic processes in a soil may result in redoximorphic features that are

defined as follows:

1. Redoximorphic concentrations.—These are zones of apparent accumulation of

iron-manganese oxides, including:

A. Nodules and concretions, which are cemented bodies that can be

removed from the soil intact. Concretions are distinguished from nodules on the

basis of internal organization. A concretion typically has concentric layers that

are visible to the naked eye. Nodules do not have visible organized internal

structure; and

B. Masses, which are noncemented concentrations of substances within

the soil matrix; and

C. Pore linings, i.e., zones of accumulation along pores that may be either

coatings on pore surfaces or impregnations from the matrix adjacent to the

pores.

2. Redoximorphic depletions.—These are zones of low chroma (chromas less

than those in the matrix) where either iron-manganese oxides alone or both

iron-manganese oxides and clay have been stripped out, including:

A. Iron depletions, i.e., zones that contain low amounts of iron and

manganese oxides but have a clay content similar to that of the adjacent matrix;

and

B. Clay depletions, i.e., zones that contain low amounts of iron, manganese,

and clay (often referred to as silt coatings or skeletans).

3. Reduced matrix.—This is a soil matrix that has low chroma in situ but

undergoes a change in hue or chroma within 30 minutes after the soil material

has been exposed to air.
136 Soil Survey of

Reduced matrix. See Redoximorphic features.

Regolith. All unconsolidated earth materials above the solid bedrock. It includes

material weathered in place from all kinds of bedrock and alluvial, glacial, eolian,

lacustrine, and pyroclastic deposits.

Relief. The relative difference in elevation between the upland summits and the

lowlands or valleys of a given region.

Residuum (residual soil material). Unconsolidated, weathered or partly weathered

mineral material that accumulated as bedrock disintegrated in place.

Rill. A very small, steep-sided channel resulting from erosion and cut in

unconsolidated materials by concentrated but intermittent flow of water. A rill

generally is not an obstacle to wheeled vehicles and is shallow enough to be

smoothed over by ordinary tillage.

Riser. The vertical or steep side slope (e.g., escarpment) of terraces, flood-plain

steps, or other stepped landforms; commonly a recurring part of a series of

natural, steplike landforms, such as successive stream terraces.

Road cut. A sloping surface produced by mechanical means during road construction.

It is commonly on the uphill side of the road.

Rock fragments. Rock or mineral fragments having a diameter of 2 millimeters or

more; for example, pebbles, cobbles, stones, and boulders.

Rock outcrop (map symbol). An exposure of bedrock at the surface of the earth. Not

used where the named soils of the surrounding map unit are shallow over bedrock.

The areas are typically less than 3 acres.

Root zone. The part of the soil that can be penetrated by plant roots.

Runoff. The precipitation discharged into stream channels from an area. The water

that flows off the surface of the land without sinking into the soil is called surface

runoff. Water that enters the soil before reaching surface streams is called groundwater runoff or seepage flow from ground water.

Saline soil. A soil containing soluble salts in an amount that impairs growth of plants.

A saline soil does not contain excess exchangeable sodium.

Sand. As a soil separate, individual rock or mineral fragments from 0.05 millimeter to

2.0 millimeters in diameter. Most sand grains consist of quartz. As a soil textural

class, a soil that is 85 percent or more sand and not more than 10 percent clay.

Sandstone. Sedimentary rock containing dominantly sand-sized particles.

Sandy spot (map symbol). An area where the surface layer contains more than 75

percent sand and where the named soils of the surrounding map unit have less

than about 25 percent sand. The area is typically less than 3 acres.

Sapling. A tree ranging from 1 to 5 inches in diameter at breast height.

Sapric soil material (muck). The most highly decomposed of all organic soil material.

Muck has the least amount of plant fiber, the highest bulk density, and the lowest

water content at saturation of all organic soil material.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). See Permeability.

Saturation. Wetness characterized by zero or positive pressure of the soil water.

Under conditions of saturation, the water will flow from the soil matrix into an

unlined auger hole.

Sawtimber. Hardwood trees more than 11 inches in diameter and conifers more than

9 inches in diameter at breast height.

Scarification. The act of abrading, scratching, loosening, crushing, or modifying the

surface to increase water absorption or to provide a more tillable soil.

Sedimentary rock. A consolidated deposit of clastic particles, chemical precipitates,

or organic remains accumulated at or near the surface of the earth under normal

low temperature and pressure conditions. Sedimentary rocks include consolidated

equivalents of alluvium, colluvium, drift, and eolian, lacustrine, and marine

deposits. Examples are sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, claystone, shale,

conglomerate, limestone, dolomite, and coal.
Richland County, Wisconsin 137

Seedling. A tree less than 1 inch in diameter at breast height.

Sequum. A sequence consisting of an illuvial horizon and the overlying eluvial horizon.

(See Eluviation.)

Series, soil. A group of soils that have profiles that are almost alike, except for

differences in texture of the surface layer. All the soils of a series have horizons

that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.

Shale. Sedimentary rock that formed by the hardening of a deposit of clay, silty clay, or

silty clay loam and that has a tendency to split into thin layers.

Sheet erosion. The removal of a fairly uniform layer of soil material from the land

surface by the action of rainfall and surface runoff.

Short steep slope (map symbol). A narrow area of soil that is at least two slope

classes steeper than the surrounding map unit. The area is typically less than 3

acres.

Shoulder. The convex, erosional surface near the top of a hillslope. A shoulder is a

transition from summit to backslope.

Shrink-swell (in tables). The shrinking of soil when dry and the swelling when wet.

Shrinking and swelling can damage roads, dams, building foundations, and other

structures. It can also damage plant roots.

Side slope (geomorphology). A geomorphic component of hills consisting of a laterally

planar area of a hillside. The overland waterflow is predominantly parallel. Side

slopes are dominantly colluvium and slope-wash sediments.

Silica. A combination of silicon and oxygen. The mineral form is called quartz.

Silt. As a soil separate, individual mineral particles that range in diameter from the

upper limit of clay (0.002 millimeter) to the lower limit of very fine sand (0.05

millimeter). As a soil textural class, soil that is 80 percent or more silt and less than

12 percent clay.

Siltstone. An indurated silt having the texture and composition of shale but lacking its

fine lamination or fissility; a massive mudstone in which silt predominates over

clay.

Similar soils. Soils that share limits of diagnostic criteria, behave and perform in a

similar manner, and have similar conservation needs or management

requirements for the major land uses in the survey area.

Sinkhole. A closed, circular or elliptical depression, commonly funnel shaped,

characterized by subsurface drainage and formed either by dissolution of the

surface of underlying bedrock (e.g., limestone, gypsum, or salt) or by collapse of

underlying caves within bedrock. Complexes of sinkholes in carbonate-rock terrain

are the main components of karst topography.

Sinkhole (map symbol). A closed depression formed either by solution of the surficial

rock or by collapse of underlying caves. Typically less than 3 acres.

Site index. A designation of the quality of a forest site based on the height of the

dominant stand at an arbitrarily chosen age. For example, if the average height

attained by dominant and codominant trees in a fully stocked stand at the age of

50 years is 75 feet, the site index is 75.

Slope. The inclination of the land surface from the horizontal. Percentage of slope is

the vertical distance divided by horizontal distance, then multiplied by 100. Thus, a

slope of 20 percent is a drop of 20 feet in 100 feet of horizontal distance.

Slope alluvium. Sediment gradually transported down the slopes of mountains or hills

primarily by nonchannel alluvial processes (i.e., slope-wash processes) and

characterized by particle sorting. Lateral particle sorting is evident on long slopes.

In a profile sequence, sediments may be distinguished by differences in size and/

or specific gravity of rock fragments and may be separated by stone lines.

Burnished peds and sorting of rounded or subrounded pebbles or cobbles

distinguish these materials from unsorted colluvial deposits.
138 Soil Survey of

Slow refill (in tables). The slow filling of ponds, resulting from restricted permeability in

the soil.

Soft bedrock. Bedrock that can be excavated with trenching machines, backhoes,

small rippers, and other equipment commonly used in construction.

Soil. A natural, three-dimensional body at the earth’s surface. It is capable of

supporting plants and has properties resulting from the integrated effect of climate

and living matter acting on earthy parent material, as conditioned by relief and by

the passage of time.

Soil separates. Mineral particles less than 2 millimeters in equivalent diameter and

ranging between specified size limits. The names and sizes, in millimeters, of

separates recognized in the United States are as follows:

Very coarse sand ........................................ 2.0 to 1.0

Coarse sand ................................................ 1.0 to 0.5

Medium sand ............................................. 0.5 to 0.25

Fine sand ................................................. 0.25 to 0.10

Very fine sand .......................................... 0.10 to 0.05

Silt .......................................................... 0.05 to 0.002

Clay .....................................................less than 0.002

Solum. The upper part of a soil profile, above the C horizon, in which the processes of

soil formation are active. The solum in soil consists of the A, E, and B horizons.

Generally, the characteristics of the material in these horizons are unlike those of

the material below the solum. The living roots and plant and animal activities are

largely confined to the solum.

Spoil area (map symbol). Piles of earthy materials, either smoothed or uneven,

resulting from human activity. The areas are typically less than 3 acres.

Stone line. In a vertical cross section, a line formed by scattered fragments or a

discrete layer of angular and subangular rock fragments (commonly a gravel- or

cobble-sized lag concentration) that formerly was draped across a topographic

surface and was later buried by additional sediments. A stone line generally caps

material that was subject to weathering, soil formation, and erosion before burial.

Many stone lines seem to be buried erosion pavements, originally formed by sheet

and rill erosion across the land surface.

Stones. Rock fragments 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 centimeters) in diameter if rounded

or 15 to 24 inches (38 to 60 centimeters) in length if flat.

Stony. Refers to a soil containing stones in numbers that interfere with or prevent

tillage.

Strath terrace. A type of stream terrace; formed as an erosional surface cut on

bedrock and thinly mantled with stream deposits (alluvium).

Stream terrace. One of a series of platforms in a stream valley, flanking and more or

less parallel to the stream channel, originally formed near the level of the stream;

represents the remnants of an abandoned flood plain, stream bed, or valley floor

produced during a former state of fluvial erosion or deposition.

Stripcropping. Growing crops in a systematic arrangement of strips or bands that

provide vegetative barriers to wind erosion and water erosion.

Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil particles into compound particles or

aggregates. The principal forms of soil structure are—platy (laminated), prismatic

(vertical axis of aggregates longer than horizontal), columnar (prisms with rounded

tops), blocky (angular or subangular), and granular. Structureless soils are either

single grained (each grain by itself, as in dune sand) or massive (the particles

adhering without any regular cleavage, as in many hardpans).

Stubble mulch. Stubble or other crop residue left on the soil or partly worked into the

soil. It protects the soil from wind erosion and water erosion after harvest, during
Richland County, Wisconsin 139

preparation of a seedbed for the next crop, and during the early growing period of

the new crop.

Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of the solum below plow depth.

Subsoiling. Tilling a soil below normal plow depth, ordinarily to shatter a hardpan or

claypan.

Substratum. The part of the soil below the solum.

Subsurface layer. Any surface soil horizon (A, E, AB, or EB) below the surface layer.

Summit. The topographically highest position of a hillslope. It has a nearly level

(planar or only slightly convex) surface.

Surface layer. The soil ordinarily moved in tillage, or its equivalent in uncultivated soil,

ranging in depth from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters). Frequently designated

as the “plow layer,” or the “Ap horizon.”

Surface soil. The A, E, AB, and EB horizons, considered collectively. It includes all

subdivisions of these horizons.

Swale. A slight depression in the midst of generally level land. A shallow depression in

an undulating ground moraine caused by uneven glacial deposition.

Terminal moraine. An end moraine that marks the farthest advance of a glacier. It

typically has the form of a massive arcuate or concentric ridge, or complex of

ridges, and is underlain by till and other types of drift.

Terrace (conservation). An embankment, or ridge, constructed across sloping soils on

the contour or at a slight angle to the contour. The terrace intercepts surface runoff

so that water soaks into the soil or flows slowly to a prepared outlet. A terrace in a

field generally is built so that the field can be farmed. A terrace intended mainly for

drainage has a deep channel that is maintained in permanent sod.

Terrace (geomorphology). A steplike surface, bordering a valley floor or shoreline, that

represents the former position of a flood plain, lake, or seashore. The term is

usually applied both to the relatively flat summit surface (tread) that was cut or

built by stream or wave action and to the steeper descending slope (scarp or riser)

that has graded to a lower base level of erosion.

Terracettes. Small, irregular steplike forms on steep hillslopes, especially in pasture,

formed by creep or erosion of surficial materials that may be induced or enhanced

by trampling of livestock, such as sheep or cattle.

Texture, soil. The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in a mass of soil.

The basic textural classes, in order of increasing proportion of fine particles, are

sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay loam,

silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay. The sand, loamy sand, and sandy

loam classes may be further divided by specifying “coarse,” “fine,” or “very fine.”

Thin layer (in tables). Otherwise suitable soil material that is too thin for the specified

use.

Till. Dominantly unsorted and nonstratified drift, generally unconsolidated and

deposited directly by a glacier without subsequent reworking by meltwater, and

consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, stones, and

boulders; rock fragments of various lithologies are embedded within a finer matrix

that can range from clay to sandy loam.

Till plain. An extensive area of level to gently undulating soils underlain predominantly

by till and bounded at the distal end by subordinate recessional or end moraines.

Tilth, soil. The physical condition of the soil as related to tillage, seedbed preparation,

seedling emergence, and root penetration.

Toeslope. The gently inclined surface at the base of a hillslope. Toeslopes in profile

are commonly gentle and linear and are constructional surfaces forming the lower

part of a hillslope continuum that grades to valley or closed-depression floors.

Topsoil. The upper part of the soil, which is the most favorable material for plant

growth. It is ordinarily rich in organic matter and is used to topdress roadbanks,

lawns, and land affected by mining.
140

Trace elements. Chemical elements, for example, zinc, cobalt, manganese, copper,

and iron, in soils in extremely small amounts. They are essential to plant growth.

Tread. The flat to gently sloping, topmost, laterally extensive slope of terraces, floodplain steps, or other stepped landforms; commonly a recurring part of a series of

natural steplike landforms, such as successive stream terraces.

Upland. An informal, general term for the higher ground of a region, in contrast with a

low-lying adjacent area, such as a valley or plain, or for land at a higher elevation

than the flood plain or low stream terrace; land above the footslope zone of the

hillslope continuum.

Valley fill. The unconsolidated sediment deposited by any agent (water, wind, ice, or

mass wasting) so as to fill or partly fill a valley.

Variegation. Refers to patterns of contrasting colors assumed to be inherited from the

parent material rather than to be the result of poor drainage.

Varve. A sedimentary layer or a lamina or sequence of laminae deposited in a body of

still water within a year. Specifically, a thin pair of graded glaciolacustrine layers

seasonally deposited, usually by meltwater streams, in a glacial lake or other body

of still water in front of a glacier.

Very stony spot (map symbol). An area in which more than 3.0 percent of the

surface is covered by rock fragments more than 10 inches in diameter within an

area that does not have rock fragments on the surface. The area is typically less

than 3 acres.

Water bars. Smooth, shallow ditches or depressional areas that are excavated at an

angle across a sloping road. They are used to reduce the downward velocity of

water and divert it off and away from the road surface. Water bars can easily be

driven over if constructed properly.

Weathering. All physical disintegration, chemical decomposition, and biologically

induced changes in rocks or other deposits at or near the earth’s surface by

atmospheric or biologic agents or by circulating surface waters but involving

essentially no transport of the altered material.

Well graded. Refers to soil material consisting of coarse grained particles that are well

distributed over a wide range in size or diameter. Such soil normally can be easily

increased in density and bearing properties by compaction. Contrasts with poorly

graded soil.

Wet spot (map symbol). An area of somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drained

soil at least two drainage classes wetter than the named soils in the surrounding

map unit. The area is typically less than 3 acres.

Wilting point (or permanent wilting point). The moisture content of soil, on an

ovendry basis, at which a plant (specifically a sunflower) wilts so much that it does

not recover when placed in a humid, dark chamber.

Windthrow. The uprooting and tipping over of trees by the wind.
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