Rice County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN131• Minnesota

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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

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 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.