Murray County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Murray County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes, occasional saturation-Buse-Svea complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Roliss-Parnell, depressional, complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Svea loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collinwood silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Everly silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes, occasional saturation-Buse complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| North Twin-Walnut grove complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.