Scott County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Scott County, Iowa.
| 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 |
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.