Fremont County, Iowa

Survey Area IA071• Iowa

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 73% 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.