Dickinson County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Clarion, on about 19% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Nicollet and Webster come next.
About 19% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 55% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 55% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Dickinson County, Iowa, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 6 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 80% 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.