Swift County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Bearden, on about 7% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Balaton and Marysland come next.
About 25% of the land drains well, and 52% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 63% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Swift 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Swift 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearden-Quam, depressional, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 59K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winger-Balaton-Parnell, depressional, complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Tara complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marysland loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Heimdal-Sisseton complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arveson sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakepark-Parnell, occasionally ponded, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rondell silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byrne-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Hamerly complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tara silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hecla loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esmond-Sisseton-Heimdal, complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marysland loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rauville silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Egeland sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Quam silty clay loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.