Louisa County, Iowa

Survey Area IA115• 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.