Pope County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN121• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pope 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.