Houston County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Houston County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamoille-Elbaville silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lacrescent cobbly silty clay loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blackhammer-Southridge complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoille-Dorerton silt loams, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodine-Rollingstone silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blackhammer-Southridge complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Downs silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbaville silt loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beavercreek-Arenzville complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comfrey silty clay loam, channeled | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brodale-Bellechester complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, rocky | 6K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Festina silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Churchtown silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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
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.