Adams County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Adams County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpsburg-Nira silty clay loams, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook-Ely-Gullied land complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni-Shelby complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nira-Clearfield complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 14 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg-Nira silty clay loams, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara-Bucknell complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni-Clarinda-Shelby complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macksburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, dissected till plain, 14 to 18 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook-Ely complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olmitz-Ely-Zook complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabash silty clay loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook-Mt. Sterling complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.