Aitkin County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Aitkin County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 112K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mora-Ronneby complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, stony | 75K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Lupton, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 52K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle-Rifle, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 52K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 45K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, stratified substratum | 36K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro-Twig, stony complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 36K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dusler silt loam | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cebana-Giese, frequently ponded-Ronneby complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duluth fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood-Greenwood, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandwick loamy sand | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cushing-Mahtomedi complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Alstad loam | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley peat | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milaca-Mora complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.