Butler 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 Butler County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ostrander loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klinger silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Flagler sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spillville-Coland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cresco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Protivin loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waukee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spillville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | 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.