Pope County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pope County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Arvilla sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arvilla sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Langhei-Barnes, moderately eroded, complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marysland loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langhei-Barnes, moderately eroded, complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Svea loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Byrne silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marysland loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quam, Cathro, and Urness soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandberg loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.