Red Lake County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN125• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Red Lake 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
Smiley loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kratka fine sandy loam, loamy till substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Strathcona fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Reiner fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vallers loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Foldahl fine sandy loam, loamy till substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvaquents,frequently flooded-Hapludolls complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clearwater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ulen loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Reis-Clearwater clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Foxlake loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rosewood fine sandy loam, Aspen Parkland, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Radium loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hattie clay, Aspen Parkland, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Linveldt fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fairdale silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Roliss loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glyndon very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.

Histosols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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. 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.