Carver County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Carver County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 91% 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.