Benton County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Benton County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milaca loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes, stony | 42K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brennyville-Freer complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, stony | 40K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mora-Ronneby complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, stony | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cebana-Giese, frequently ponded-Freer complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro-Twig, stony complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cebana-Giese, frequently ponded-Ronneby complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowstring and Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville, occasionally ponded-Cathro, frequently ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milaca-Mora complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ogilvie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Francis-Mahtomedi complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Warman loam, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watab loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nokasippi loamy fine sand, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fordum-Winterfield complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville and Markey soils, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 98% 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.