Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 41K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canisteo-Harps loams | 35K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadenill-Sunburg complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Estherville-Hawick complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Harps-Glencoe-Seaforth complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amiret-Swanlake loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harps-Okoboji complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji-Canisteo depressional complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo-Seaforth complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunburg-Wadenill complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Normania loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctander, overwash-Arctander complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normania loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawick-Estherville complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quam, Cathro, and Urness soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowriver-Lundlake complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kandiyohi clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 84% 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.