Faribault County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN043• Minnesota

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 Faribault 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
Canisteo-Glencoe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	57K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	35K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	28K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	27K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marna silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Delft clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guckeen silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Collinwood silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Truman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ocheyedan loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Spicer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kingston silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brownton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kamrar clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	D	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 76% 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 93% 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.