Webster County, Iowa
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Webster County, Iowa.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 85K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kossuth silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Belview complex, 22 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet-Guckeen complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harps clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guckeen clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pits, gypsum quarries | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wacousta silty clay loam, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corvuso-Brownton complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Angus loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarion clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.