Fillmore County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Fillmore County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 80K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama-Downs complex, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Nasset complex, sinkhole karst, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dubuque and Whalan silt loams, 18 to 45 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frontenac-Lacrescent complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, rocky | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racine and Ostrander silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mixed alluvial land, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tama-Downs complex, driftless, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Floyd and Clyde silty clay loams, overwash, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, medium textured, well drained | 14K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaseburg and Judson silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Renova silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kasson silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubuque and Whalan silt loams, 12 to 17 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frontenac-Lacrescent complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, rocky | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette-Pepin complex, sinkhole karst, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kasson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.