Marshall County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Marshall County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
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.