Keokuk County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Keokuk County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladoga silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mahaska silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taintor silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Olmitz-Zook-Vesser complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara-Armstrong complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Otley silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clinton silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clinton silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hedrick silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway occasionally flooded-Coppock-Cantril rarely flooded complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucknell silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otley silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley-Keswick complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Ackmore-Vesser complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nira silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, shallow loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, shallow loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, channeled, frequently flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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. 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.