Kittson County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Northcote, on about 18% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Percy and Rosewood come next.
About 1% of the land drains well, and 86% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Kittson 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Kittson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northcote clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 89K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hegne-Fargo silty clays, silty substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 54K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northcote-Eaglepoint clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosewood fine sandy loam, dense till, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Colvin silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strathcona fine sandy loam, dense till, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northcote clay, slightly saline, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poppleton fine sand, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cormant loamy fine sand, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Percy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, bouldery | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Percy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very cobbly | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redby loamy fine sand, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kratka and Strathcona soils, dense till, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grygla loamy fine sand, dense till, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poppleton fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, dense till, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enstrom loamy fine sand, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grimstad fine sandy loam, dense till, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cormant and Rosewood soils, very poorly drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 100% 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.