Becker County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Becker County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 85K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rifle-Rifle, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 50K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snellman-Sugarbush complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Snellman sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl-Formdale-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea-Buse complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sugarbush-Two Inlets complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Snellman-Sugarbush complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sugarbush-Two Inlets complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Snellman-Sugarbush complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blowers soils, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Winger complex | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Vallers complex | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snellman sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winger-Hamerly-Colvin complex | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Two Inlets-Sugarbush complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea-Buse complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
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.