Becker County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Snellman, on about 10% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Sugarbush and Rifle come next.
About 50% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Becker County, Minnesota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.