Winona County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Winona County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacrescent silt loam, rocky, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoille-Dorerton silt loams, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elbaville-Seaton silt loams, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoille-Elbaville silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Churchtown silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downs silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brodale-Bellechester complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, rocky | 9K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beavercreek silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindstrom silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blackhammer-Southridge complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Eitzen silt loam, channeled | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tama silt loam, driftless, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rollingstone silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southridge silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fayette silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.