Benton 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 Benton County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 80K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 63K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 34K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, sandy and loamy | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ely silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevin silty clay loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea-Fayette-Lamont complex, 9 to 18 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spillville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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
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.