Swift County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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 87% 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.