Monona County, Iowa

Survey Area IA133• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Monona 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
Luton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	57K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Albaton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Onawa silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Castana silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Salix silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 30 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Forney silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodbury silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blencoe silt clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rawles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Moderately well drained	B	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.

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.

Mollisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 66% 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 66% 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.