Goodhue County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Goodhue County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marquis silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kasson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maxfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinger silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Timula-Mt. Carroll complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frontenac-Lacrescent complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, rocky | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Timula-Mt. Carroll complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Timula-Mt. Carroll complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bassett-Kasson complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Joy silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barremills silt loam, drainageway, 1 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joy-Ossian, occasionally flooded, complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Port Byron silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dakota silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.