Worth County, Iowa

Survey Area IA195• Iowa

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Worth 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
Maxfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Klinger silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Angus loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lawler loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Webster-Nicollet complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Talcot clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Franklin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Moland loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Harcot loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Angus loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded	4K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Oran loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kilkenny clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coland-Spillville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Floyd loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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.