Dickinson County, Iowa

Survey Area IA059• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Dickinson 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
Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	41K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	40K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Delft-Terril complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Omsrud-Storden complex, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crippin loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okabena silty clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wilmonton silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wadena loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Everly clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ransom silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sac silty clay loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
McCreath silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gillett Grove silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Poorly drained	C/D	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 78% 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.