Watonwan County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Watonwan County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicollet clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canisteo-Glencoe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion-Swanlake complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coland clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fieldon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldorf silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madelia silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingston silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fieldon-Canisteo complex | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spicer silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crippin loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litchfield loamy fine sand | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okoboji silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion-Storden complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Truman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amiret loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 96% 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.