Sac County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Sac County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Primghar silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, Bemis moraine, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marshall silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, deep loess, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Afton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Webster clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marcus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec-Ackmore complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, Bemis moraine, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sac silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sac silty clay loam, loam substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Galva silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% 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 92% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.