Pipestone 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 Pipestone County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kranzburg-Brookings silty clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brookings silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hidewood-Badger complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estelline silt loam, coteau, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vienna silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moody silty clay loam, cool, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Trosky silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandt silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Trent silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Athelwold silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estelline silt loam, coteau, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Barnes, occasional saturation-Buse complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure-La Prairie complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell-McIntosh complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vienna-Brookings complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Vienna complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitewood silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Svea loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.