Woodbury County, Iowa

Survey Area IA193• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Woodbury 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
Ida silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, severely eroded	59K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ida silt loam, 14 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded	48K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, severely eroded	37K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Napier silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Monona silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	24K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Luton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rawles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 5 to 9 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Galva silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ida silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Judson silty clay loam, deep loess, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Napier silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Galva silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Napier-Rawles complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Monona silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wilsey silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Albaton silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Napier-Castana silt loams, 9 to 20 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 45% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.