Rice County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Rice County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamel loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angus loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muskego and Houghton soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hayden loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moland silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maxfield silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lerdal clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blooming silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cordova clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Merton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waukegan silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kilkenny clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Littleton silt loam, till substratum, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Derrynane clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.