Big Stone County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Big Stone County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aazdahl-Formdale-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Aazdahl-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hattie silty clay, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fram-Vallers-Parnell complex | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Quam and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigstone silty clay loam, ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fulda silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Sisseton-Heimdal, complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fram loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Svea loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rauville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindaas silty clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gonvick loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea-Buse complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 79% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.