Carroll County, Iowa

Survey Area IA027• 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Carroll 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
Colo-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	40K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nicollet loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Exira silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canisteo clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colo silt loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ackmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Calco silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionaly flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland-Spillville complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 82% 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.