Cedar County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is 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 Cedar County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klinger silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Atterberry silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silty clay loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Maxfield silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Franklin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ackmore-Nodaway complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 38% 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
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.