Louisa County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Clinton, on about 7% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Colo and Mahaska come next.
About 26% of the land drains well, and 48% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 48% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Louisa County, Iowa, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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 95% 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.