Tama 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 Tama County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tama silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muscatine silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bremer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ackmore-Colo complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dinsdale silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garwin silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 14 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiota silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, till plain, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, overwash | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.