Stevens County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Stevens County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aazdahl-Formdale-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl-Balaton clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Aazdahl-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McIntosh silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nutley-Hattie clays, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Hamerly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byrne silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hokans-Svea-Buse complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quam and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hattie-Nutley clays, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon-McIntosh complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tara silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dovray clay, poorly drained | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flom-Quam silty clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winger silty clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.