Warren County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Warren County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ladoga silt loam, dissected till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoni silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land-Ely-Colo, occasionally flooded, complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not rated | Very limited |
| Gara loam, dissected till plain, 14 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong-Gara loams, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo silty clay loam, dissected till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armstrong-Gara loams, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macksburg silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macksburg silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gara loam, dissected till plain, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arispe silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dockery-Quiver silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munterville silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colo, occasionally flooded-Ely silty clay loams, dissected till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Adair clay loams, dissected till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pershing silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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. 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.