Louisa 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 Louisa County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taintor silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahaska silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland-Perks-Lawson complex, frequently flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clinton silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clinton silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atterberry silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambraw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Titus silty clay loam, rarely flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, rivers and streams | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hedrick silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Givin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shaffton loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowley silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% 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 88% 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.