Muscatine County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Tama, on about 10% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Fayette and Downs come next.
About 49% of the land drains well, and 43% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 43% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 58% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atterberry silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garwin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, sandy substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquolls, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ambraw silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fruitfield coarse sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coppock silt loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, sandy substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, rarely flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolbee silt loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | 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 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.