Hamilton County, Iowa

Survey Area IA079• Iowa

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.

Mollisols

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

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 77% 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 96% 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.