Otter Tail County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 163K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 48K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorset-Corliss complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 40K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kandota sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blowers soils, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl-Formdale-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chapett-Sisseton complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lida-Two Inlets complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lida-Two Inlets complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Svea-Buse complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nidaros muck | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorset-Corliss complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snellman sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Paddock-Becida, stony, complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Buse complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nitche-Kandota-Lida complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oylen sandy loam | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Sisseton-Heimdal, complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 56% 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.