Polk County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Polk County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearden-Colvin silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 189K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin-Perella silty clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 100K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chapett fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland | 50K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulen loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hedman-Fram complex | 37K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvin-Fargo complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strathcona fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosewood fine sandy loam, Aspen Parkland, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foxlake loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandberg-Radium complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fram loam | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Fargo complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheatville very fine sandy loam, clayey till substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huot fine sandy loam, clayey till substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 89% 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.