Dodge County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Readlyn, on about 20% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Tripoli and Marquis come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 62% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 74% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Dodge 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Dodge 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tripoli clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde-Floyd complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marquis silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kasson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marquis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maxfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland, frequently flooded-Spillville, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oran silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinger silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maxcreek silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kish, till substratum-Mayer complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mantorville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Menomin-Hayfield complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tama-Dinsmore complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 98% 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.