Allamakee County, Iowa

Survey Area IA005• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Allamakee County, Iowa. 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
Lacrescent silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fayette silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded	42K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fayette silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded	37K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Downs silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Paintcreek silt loam, 18 to 30 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Downs silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Caneek silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Village silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Downs silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nordness silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fayette silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Village silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ion silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Village silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Paintcreek silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dubuque silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eitzen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Eitzen silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nordness silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 94% 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.