Blue Earth County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Blue Earth County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Glencoe silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 96% 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.