Chippewa County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Bearden, on about 14% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Quam and Tara come next.
About 26% of the land drains well, and 51% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 63% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% 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 Chippewa 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 B/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 Chippewa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearden-Quam, depressional, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 89K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tara silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin-Quam complex, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byrne silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Byrne-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Hamerly complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winger-Balaton-Parnell, depressional, complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckman silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Perella-Colvin complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rondell silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin-Spicer silty clay loams | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tara silty clay loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waubay silty clay loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amiret loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Doland-Swanlake complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waubay silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perella silty clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calco silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionaly flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egeland sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.