Douglas 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 Douglas County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.