28 
SOIL SURVEY OF BUFFALO COUNTY. 
which the stream has cut its channel, with the present water 
level from 3 to 10 feet below the surface of the type. Natural 
drainage over most of this type is fairly good. A few of the 
lower areas are subject to overflow during the heavy rains of 
spring, but by far the greater proportion is not subject to 
inundation. A considerable part of the type would be benefited 
by tile drains, though these have not been installed to any great 
extent. Because of the gentle slope or level character of the 
surface, there is no danger of erosion. 
Origin .—The material composing the Waukesha silt loam is of 
alluvial origin and occurs in the valleys of many streams through¬ 
out the county. The upper section, consisting largely of silt, was 
deposited in comparatively quiet waters, but the beds of sand 
forming the lower section were deposited by more rapidly mov¬ 
ing currents. The dark color of the soil is due to the large con¬ 
tent of organic matter resulting from the growth and decay 
of rank vegetation in the presence of moisture. 
Native Vegetation .—The native vegetation consists largely of 
grasses, with some timber, mainly oak, elm, and soft maple. The 
greater part of the merchantable timber has been removed. 
Present Agricultural Development A —Practically all of the 
Waukesha silt loam can be cultivated, and the greater propor¬ 
tion of it is now in farms and well improved. It is one of the 
most highly valued soils of the county, and with the soils of 
the Bates series comprises the best corn land. The yields of 
corn range from 60 to 80 bushels per acre during favorable years, 
and the ordinary yields are larger than those from the other 
types in the county. The small grains do well, but the quality is 
not so good as that of grains grown on the Knox silt loam. Oats 
and barley each yield about 40 to 45 bushels per acre. An ex¬ 
cessive quantity of straw is apt to be produced and these grains, 
especially oats, are likely to lodge. Clover and timothy do well 
and pasturage is always good. 
A rotation frequently followed consists of corn followed by 
small grain for 1 or 2 years and then hay for 2 years. Corn is 
often grown on the same field for 2 or 3 years in succession, and 
on the whole not enough consideration is given to the rotating 
of crops. Because of the natural fertility of this soil farmers 
*For chemical composition and management of this type of soil see 
page 33. 
