Carver County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Lester, on about 22% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Le Sueur and Cordova come next.
About 28% of the land drains well, and 59% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 68% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Carver 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 Somewhat 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 Carver 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Sueur-Lester complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cordova-Webster complex | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskego and Houghton soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kilkenny-Lester loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamel loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Kilkenny complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cordova clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedslake-Le Sueur complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Kilkenny loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Kilkenny loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terril loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Kilkenny complex, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klossner and Muskego soils, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.