Clearwater County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN029• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Clearwater 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
Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	29K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mooselake and Lupton soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	28K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nebish loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Naytahwaush loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	20K			Not rated	Not rated
Naytahwaush loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sol fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sol-Sugarbush complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	19K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Sugarbush loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Snellman sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nary fine sandy loam	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beltrami loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mahkonce loam	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chilgren fine sandy loam, des moines, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sol-Sugarbush complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Waukon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Lengby fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	B/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.

Alfisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.