Crawford 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 Crawford County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judson-Ackmore-Colo, overwash complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monona silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 34K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monona silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monona silty clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ida silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monona silty clay loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ida silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Napier-Kennebec-Colo complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ida silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.