Sherburne County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Zimmerman, on about 20% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Hubbard and Seelyeville come next.
About 65% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 35% 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 Sherburne 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 Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Sherburne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubbard-Mosford complex, Mississippi River Valley, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 38K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville-Markey complex, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Isanti loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lino loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantlin loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville and Bowstring soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fordum-Winterfield complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandberg-Arvilla complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sandberg loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stonelake-Sanburn complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Duelm loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | A | 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 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.