Scott County, Iowa

Survey Area IA163• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Scott 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
Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Garwin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Downs-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Downs silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Ambraw-Perks-Lawson complex, frequently flooded, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tama silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ackmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Downs silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dockery silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Downs silt loam, till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Killduff silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Fayette silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Killduff silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 91% 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.