Rice County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Lester, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Hayden and Kilkenny come next.
About 44% of the land drains well, and 43% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 47% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 55% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Rice County, Minnesota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 88% 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.