Grant County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Aazdahl, on about 13% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Formdale and Flom come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 63% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Grant 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 Moderately 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 Grant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aazdahl-Formdale-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 98K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea-Buse complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Flom-Aazdahl-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roliss loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quam and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antler-Mustinka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kittson loam, wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langhei-Barnes, moderately eroded, complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Towner fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea-Buse complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grimstad-Towner fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Quam silty clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arvilla sandy loam, Till Prairie, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not 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 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.