Winona County, Minnesota

Survey Area MN169• Minnesota

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Winona 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.

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.