Linn County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Linn County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinger silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville-Sigglekov complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ostrander loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spillville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Franklin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson fine sandy loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sparta loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sparta loamy sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% 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 92% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.