Carlton County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Carlton County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmeek-Normanna-Canosia complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Duluth very fine sandy loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood peat | 29K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley muck | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontonagon silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooselake mucky peat | 23K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mora fine sandy loam, wet | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beseman muck | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cloquet fine sandy loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omega loamy sand, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Automba fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahmeek loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Blackhoof and Mahtowa soils | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omega loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nemadji fine sand | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cloquet fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dusler silt loam | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duluth very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dawson muck | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.