Meeker County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Koronis, on about 7% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Swedegrove and Wadenill come next.
About 27% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 57% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Meeker 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 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 Meeker 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Koronis loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Swedegrove-Lundlake complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedslake-Le Sueur complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskego, Blue Earth, and Houghton soils, ponded | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamel-Glencoe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koronis loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cosmos silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muskego, Blue Earth and Houghton soils, lundlake catena, 0 to 1 percent slopes, ponded | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uniongrove loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadenill loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marcellon loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strout-Arkton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harps-Okoboji complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo-Glencoe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cokato-Storden complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grovecity loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestcity, overwash-Forestcity complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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 67% 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 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.