Scott County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Scott County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster-Glencoe silty clay loams | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster-Le Sueur silty clay loams | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur-Lester complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glencoe silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, frequent overflow, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marsh | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 10 to 22 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steep land, Hayden-Lester materials | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hayden loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 10 to 22 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.