Clay County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Clay County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheatville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langhei-Barnes, moderately eroded, complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Balaton-Hamerly complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arveson clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Augsburg silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Fargo complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borup loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northcote-Eaglepoint clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, silty substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quam, Cathro, and Urness soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% 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 94% 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.