Anoka Soil Associations:
Heyder-Kingsley Association
This soil association is a gently undulating to steep morainic landscape of short irregular slopes, scattered small lakes, and scattered depressions of organic soils.
This association makes up 10 percent of the county. It is about 40 percent Heyder soils, 20 percent Kingsley soils, 10 percent Hayden soils, and 30 percent soils of minor extent.
Heyder soils are on hill crests and hillsides. The surface layer is typically very dark grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 3 to 8 inches thick. The subsurface layer, which is not evident in some cultivated fields, is grayish-brown fine sandy loam 3 to 15 inches thick. The subsoil is dark yellowish-brown and yellowish-brown sandy loam and fine sandy loam. The underlying material at a depth of about 53 inches is light olive-brown sandy loam.
Kingsley soils, also on hill crests and hillsides, typically have a surface layer of very dark gray fine sandy loam about 3 to 8 inches thick. The subsurface layer, a pale-brown fine sandy loam 5 to 10 inches thick, does not always occur in cultivated fields. The subsoil is dark reddish-brown and reddish-brown sandy clay loam and fine sandy loam. The underlying material at a depth of about 34 inches is firm, dark reddish-brown sandy loam.
Hayden soils on hills and hillsides typically have a surface layer of very dark gray fine sandy loam about 3 to 8 inches thick. The subsurface layer is grayish-brown and dark yellowish-brown loam and sandy clay loam. The underlying material at a depth of about 37 inches is light olive-brown fine sandy loam or loam.
Of minor extent in this association are Blomford, Dalbo, Growton, Kratka, Nowen, and Rifle soils.
Lake drainageways and low-lying areas in the larger drainageways are occupied by Rifle soils. Broad, very poorly drained flats are occupied by Kratka soils. Poorly drained small depressions and small drainageways in the uplands are occupied by Blomford or Nowen soils. Broad, nearly level upland areas are occupied by Growton soils. Small flats in the upland are occupied by Dalbo soils.
Much of this association is well suited to urban development. In some areas, however, drainage severely limits many uses. The association is well suited to farming and provides recreational facilities. Fertility and available water capacity are medium to high. Main concerns of management are controlling water erosion and the level of the water table in low-lying areas.
Much of this association is farmed. A few steep areas and undrained wet areas are used for recreation and wildlife. Crops commonly grown are corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Small acreage are used as rural residences. The urban trend is increasing.
