Humboldt 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 Humboldt County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 86K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garmore clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wacousta silty clay loam, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spillville-Coland complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harps-Okoboji complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Calcousta silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgeport sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Biscay clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji mucky silty clay loam, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadena loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wacousta mucky silty clay loam, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rolfe silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 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.