Marshall County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN089• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Marshall 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
Smiley loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	79K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fargo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	64K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hegne-Fargo silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	53K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colvin-Fargo complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	52K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland	40K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Roliss loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	39K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ulen loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	36K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Roliss-Vallers loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes	34K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kratka fine sandy loam, loamy till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes	32K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Strathcona fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Northcote clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	29K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vallers loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mavie fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	25K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wheatville very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Foxlake loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bearden-Colvin silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hamre muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	17K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	16K			Not rated	Not rated
Northcote-Eaglepoint clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 97% 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.