Mower County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Tripoli, on about 16% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Oran and Clyde come next.
About 14% of the land drains well, and 81% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 75% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 85% 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 Mower 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 85% 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 98% 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.