Martin County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN091• Minnesota

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 Martin 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
Canisteo-Glencoe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	137K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	48K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	35K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nicollet-Crippin complex	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Delft clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crippin loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarion-Estherville complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blue Earth mucky silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Omsrud-Storden complex, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lemond loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	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.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% 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 90% 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.