Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Amiret, on about 7% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Glencoe and Normania come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 45% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 47% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 65% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% 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 Lac qui Parle 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 C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Lac qui Parle 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harps-Glencoe-Seaforth complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 49K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amiret-Swanlake loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Normania loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parle clay loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amiret loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calco silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionaly flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burr-Calco complex, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Perella silty clay loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Svea loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waubay silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin silty clay loam | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sverdrup sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fulda silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/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 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.