Lyon County, Iowa

Survey Area IA119• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Lyon 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
Moody silty clay loam, cool, 2 to 6 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Moody silty clay loam, cool, 6 to 11 percent slopes, eroded	33K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Moody silty clay loam, cool, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Primghar silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ackmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marcus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sac silty clay loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Trent silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Spillco loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Calco silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Primghar silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Egan silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Trent silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Galva silty clay loam, stratified substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Egan silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	5K	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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.