64 
SOIL SURVEY OF WAUPACA COUNTY. 
This type is of limited extent and occurs in many small widely 
scattered areas throughout the eastern half of the county. It 
is found mostly in small pockets or sage of less than 100 acres 
in extent. The largest area mapped lies north of Bear Creek. 
The surface is flat or saucer shaped, and the natural drainage 
is poor. Water frequently stands on the surface in the spring 
and after heavy rains. Before it can be used for cultivated 
crops drainage is necessary. The material forming this soil is 
largely of lacustrine origin though it has doubtless been modi¬ 
fied to some extent by glacial action. There has been accumu¬ 
lated at the surface a large amount of organic matter which 
accounts for its dark color. This soil is seldom acid, and the 
subsoil frequently contains considerable lime carbonate. 
The native timber growth consisted of elm, ash, willow with 
considerable coarse grass and other water loving vegetation. 
This is naturally a strong productive soil when drained, but 
only a very small proportion of it has been placed under cul¬ 
tivation. Where cleared, it is being utilized chiefly for grazing 
and for hay.* 
POYGAN SILT LOAM 
The Poygan silt loam is not an extensive type but it is found 
in numerous small tracts throughout the northeastern portion 
of the county. There is also some in the southeastern part of 
the area. It frequently borders marshes, and is also associated 
with soils of the Superior series. 
The surface soil of this type to an average depth of about 12 
inches consists of a dark brown or black silt loam which contains 
a very high proportion of organic matter. While much of the 
surface is a silt loam the type is somewhat variable, and many 
of the areas approach a loam in texture and there is also some 
fine sandy loam included with the type. 
The subsoil consists of a gray or bluish silt loam which con¬ 
tinues to from 24 to 30 inches where the typical red color of 
the Superior clay loam is found. At or near three feet, beds of 
sand or fine sand are frequently found. The upper portion of 
the subsoil is subject to some variation. It may be no heavier 
than a loam with which there is mixed more or less gritty mate¬ 
rial. Entire absence of the red clay was noted in places. 
* For chemical composition and improvement of this soil see page 66. 
