Decatur County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Decatur County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gara clay loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olmitz-Zook-Vesser complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Lawson-Klum complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arispe silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 18 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley clay loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantril-Coppock-Nodaway complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucknell clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara clay loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mystic clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haig silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keswick loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zook silt loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, overwash | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.