Blue Earth County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Marna, on about 7% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Beauford and Minnetonka come next.
About 13% of the land drains well, and 71% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 81% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Blue Earth 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Blue Earth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marna silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beauford clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lura silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnetonka silty clay loam | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guckeen silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shorewood silty clay loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cordova clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Storden complex, very steep | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madelia silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingston silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedslake-Le Sueur complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very 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 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.