Norman County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is 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 Norman County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
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.