Muscatine County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 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.