Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Survey Area IA155• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Pottawattamie 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
Exira silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	54K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ackmore-Colo-Judson complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	53K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	40K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 2 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dockery-Quiver silt loams, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Monona silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ackmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
McPaul silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Albaton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haynie silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Marshall silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Poorly drained	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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 65% 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.