Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, Iowa.
| 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 |
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.