Van Buren County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Van Buren County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haig silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weller silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rinda silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edina silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kniffin silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gorin silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashgrove silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Coppock-Cantril complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway silt loam, heavy till, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kniffin silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weller silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pershing silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pershing silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindley loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rathbun silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weller silty clay loam, terrace, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.