Morgan County, Colorado

Survey Area CO087• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Morgan County, Colorado. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Valent sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes	145K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Vona-Dwyer loamy sands, 5 to 9 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Weld loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Truckton loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Vona loamy sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Bresser sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Platner sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Truckton loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valent sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ascalon loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Heldt clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bijou loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Fort Collins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Valent-Vona loamy sands, 3 to 9 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Nunn clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colby-Adena loams, 3 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Valent-Duneland complex, rolling, 9 to 24 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ellicott-Glenberg complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.