Fillmore County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Fayette, on about 30% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Downs and Tama come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Fillmore 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Fillmore 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 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 87% 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.