Clay County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN027• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Clay 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

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

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.