Sherburne County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Sherburne County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% 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.