Van Buren County, Iowa

Survey Area IA177• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Van Buren 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

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.

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.