Carlton County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN017• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.