Howard County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Howard County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bassett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Schley silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Protivin loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cresco loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ostrander loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oran loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racine loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lourdes loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saude loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riceville loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wapsie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coland-Spillville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockton loam, moderately deep, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 100% 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.