Page County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Page County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colo-Judson silty clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 66K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Exira silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelby loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adair clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silt loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% 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. 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.