Stearns County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Stearns County, Minnesota.
| 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 |
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.