Stearns County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN145• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Stearns 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
Hokans-Svea complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	33K			Not rated	Not rated
Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arvilla sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	26K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gonvick loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cushing sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Normania loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Roliss loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waukon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Estherville-Hawick complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Nebish loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Koronis loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hubbard loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Arvilla sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Regal loam	17K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cordova loam	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Osakis loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Markey muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	A/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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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 92% 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.