Kossuth County, Iowa

Survey Area IA109• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is 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 Kossuth 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
Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	123K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	108K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	72K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	47K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	40K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	40K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kossuth silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Crippin loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okoboji mucky silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ottosen clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Storden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Fieldon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Storden loam, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Spillville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, channeled	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Spillville loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% 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 93% 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.