Freeborn County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Webster, on about 14% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Clarion and Glencoe come next.
About 17% of the land drains well, and 65% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 70% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% 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 Freeborn 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 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 Freeborn 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 69K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maxcreek silty clay loam | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reedslake-Le Sueur complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamel loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskego soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blooming silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Merton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biscay clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newry silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Havana silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayer loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | 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 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.