Marion County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Munterville, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Sharpsburg and Ladoga come next.
About 17% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 32% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% of it.
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 Marion 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Marion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munterville silt loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, lakes and reservoirs | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clinton silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clinton silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clearfield-Arispe silty clay loams, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pershing silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawson-Quiver-Nodaway complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo, occasionally flooded-Ely silty clay loams, dissected till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otley silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munterville silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munterville silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weller silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 93% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.