Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Webster-Nicollet complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedslake-Le Sueur complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 95% 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.