Jasper County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Jasper County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ackmore-Colo complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otley silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Killduff silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Killduff silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ackmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otley silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, shallow loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Adair complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mahaska silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.