Cherokee County, Iowa

Survey Area IA035• 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 Cherokee 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
Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	99K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	38K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marcus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Primghar silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	21K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Storden loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Steinauer clay loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Primghar silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Afton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents-Omadi complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sac silty clay loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, terrace, 2 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sac silty clay loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 34% 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.