Freeborn County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN047• 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 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.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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.