Dickinson County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.