Hardin County, Iowa

Survey Area IA083• 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 Hardin 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
Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Webster-Nicollet complex, Bemis moraine, 0 to 3 percent slopes	42K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Harps clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicollet loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Canisteo clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion-Storden complex, Bemis moraine, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coland-Terril complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Webster-Nicollet complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lester loam, Bemis moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coland-Spillville-Hanlon complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	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.

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 56% 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 67% 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.