Polk County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN119• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Polk 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
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

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

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.