Buchanan County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Buchanan County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 87K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 64K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olin sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clyde clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville-Coland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sparta loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tripoli clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bassett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oran loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland-Spillville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cresco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Flagler sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schley loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wapsie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hayfield loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.