Douglas County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Waukon, on about 13% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Hokans and Langhei come next.
About 55% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Douglas 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Douglas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waukon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukon-Langhei complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukon, moderately eroded-Langhei complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gonvick loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quam silty clay loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sinai clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arvilla sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukon loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nebish loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quam, Cathro, and Urness soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorset sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Forada sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.