Norman County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN107• 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 Norman 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
Hegne-Fargo silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	52K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bearden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	43K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bearden-Fargo complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	43K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fargo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	40K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glyndon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Arveson loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colvin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fargo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wheatville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland	14K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Reis, very-fine-Viking silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamerly silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rockwell fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Borup-Glyndon loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Balaton-Hamerly complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sioux sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% 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 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.