Taylor County, Iowa
The most common soil here is Nira, on about 13% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Lamoni and Sharpsburg come next.
About 14% of the land drains well, and 57% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 60% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Taylor County, Iowa, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Taylor 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nira silty clay loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Judson-Nodaway complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nira silty clay loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni-Shelby complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colo-Ackmore complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adair clay loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mystic silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clearfield silty clay loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Adair clay loams, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 99% 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.