Olmsted County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Olmsted County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downs silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Floyd silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garwin silty clay loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Racine loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Clyde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindstrom silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chaseburg silt loam, moderately well drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joy silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockton loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Channahon loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otter silt loam, channeled | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenyon loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Timula silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Downs silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waukee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arenzville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.