Pennington County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN113• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Pennington 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
Smiley loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	79K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kratka fine sandy loam, loamy till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes	52K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reiner fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	39K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Roliss loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamre muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clearwater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Strathcona fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Linveldt fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rosewood fine sandy loam, Aspen Parkland, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Northwood muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Radium-Sandberg-Garborg complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vallers loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Borup loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Eckvoll loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wyandotte clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mavie fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Berner muck, depressional, des moines, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reiner loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very 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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 76% 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.