Mahnomen County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Mahnomen County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamerly-Vallers complex | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naytahwaush loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Naytahwaush loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waukon, moderately eroded-Langhei complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sugarbush loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukon-Langhei complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hedman-Fram complex | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Hamerly complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hedman loam | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very 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 |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Snellman sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fordum, Fairdale, and Lamoure soils, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Auganaush loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 83% 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.