Mower County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Mower County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 73K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oran silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 46K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 42K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readlyn silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skyberg silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schley silt loam | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floyd silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sargeant silt loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayfield loam, loamy substratum | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udolpho silt loam, loamy substratum | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownsdale silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marshan clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riceville silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kasson silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowagiac loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shandep clay loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowagiac loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waukee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Racine silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lawler silt loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 100% 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.