Pipestone County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Brookings, on about 19% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Kranzburg and Estelline come next.
About 52% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Pipestone County, Minnesota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Pipestone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, 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 |
| Athelwold silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trent silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Estelline silt loam, 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.