Wilkin County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Antler, on about 19% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Doran and Mustinka come next.
About 7% of the land drains well, and 81% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Wilkin 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Wilkin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antler clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 69K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doran clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 68K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antler-Mustinka complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croke very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Doran-Mustinka silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aazdahl clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mustinka silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grimstad fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, aspen parkland | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilby loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheatville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hokans-Buse complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, till-floored lake plain, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clearwater sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoure silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat 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 82% 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 97% 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.