Des Moines County, Iowa

Survey Area IA057• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Des Moines 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
Taintor silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	33K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mahaska silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clinton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Clinton silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Clinton silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Givin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Keomah silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents, frequently flooded, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained		Very limited	Very limited
Nodaway-Cantril-Klum complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dolbee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabash silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Otley silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nira silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindley loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Titus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nodaway silt loam, shallow loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Moderately well drained	B	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 74% 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 95% 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.