Dakota County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukegan silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wadena loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ostrander loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wadena loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukegan silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Marshan silty clay loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cylinder loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsley-Mahtomedi-Spencer complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingsley sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Waukegan complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hawick gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Estherville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Kingsley complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Klinger silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsley-Mahtomedi complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etter fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kanaranzi loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Blooming silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ostrander loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.