Emmet County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is 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 Emmet County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 54K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 49K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | 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 |
| Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Okoboji mucky silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omsrud-Storden complex, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coland-Spillville complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aquolls, ponded | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Millington silt loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blue Earth mucky silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Storden loam, 10 to 22 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 89% 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.