Hamilton County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Canisteo, on about 14% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Clarion and Nicollet come next.
About 10% of the land drains well, and 72% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 72% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Hamilton 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 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 Hamilton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 69K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brownton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kossuth silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guckeen clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bode clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | 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 |
| Bode clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Storden-Hayden loams, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji mucky silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville-Coland complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harps-Okoboji complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat 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 75% 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 94% 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.