Marshall County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Fargo, on about 8% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Smiley and Roliss come next.
About 1% of the land drains well, and 85% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 75% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Marshall 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 99% 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.