Hancock County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Hancock County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 66K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harcot clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mayer loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fieldon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Truman silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bode clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collinwood silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spicer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bode clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Biscay clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.