Fayette County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Fayette County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 62K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clyde clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 43K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bassett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Nordness complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Downs silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Schley loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cresco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Exette silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Loamy alluvial land, channeled | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorchester silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 97% 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.