Wabasha County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Wabasha 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Frontenac-Lacrescent complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, rocky | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Downs silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tama-Dinsmore complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shandep loam, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs-Hersey complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaseburg silt loam, moderately well drained, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaseburg silt loam, moderately well drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nodaway-Minneiska complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubuque silt loam, shallow, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubuque silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll-Hersey complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Carroll silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plainfield sand, river valley, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
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 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.