Howard County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Clyde, on about 16% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Floyd and Bassett come next.
About 24% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 56% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% of it.
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 Howard 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 Somewhat 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 Howard 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 64% 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 99% 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.