Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Survey Area IA033• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Cerro Gordo 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
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

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 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.