Fremont County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Marshall, on about 22% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Monona and Colo come next.
About 57% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 32% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 32% 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 Fremont 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Fremont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Luton silty clay | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McPaul silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keg silt loam | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeport silty clay loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Salix silty clay loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monona silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | 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 52% 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 77% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.