Swift County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN151• Minnesota

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.