Anoka Soil Associations:
Nessel-Dundas-Webster Association
This neary level to gently sloping soil association is a series of undulating ground moraines. Steeper slopes are adjacent to large bogs and drainageways. All slopes are short.
This soil association makes up about 5 percent of the county. It is about 35 percent Nessel soils, 15 percent Dundas soils, 15 percent Webster soils, and 35 percent soils of minor extent.
Nessel soils are nearly level to gently sloping and moderatley well drained. They typically have a surface layer of very dark grayish-brown fine sandy loam about 2 to 9 inches thick. The subsurface layer is grayish-brown fine sandy loam 7 to 14 inches thick. The subsoil is mottled yellowish-brown, brown, and light olive-brown fine sandy loam and sandy clay loam. The underlying material at a depth of about 40 inches is light olive-brown, calcareous fine sandy loam.
Dundas soils are nearly level and poorly drained. They typically have a surface layer of black loam about 4 to 10 inches thick. The subsurface layer is mottled gray fine sandy loam 5 to 12 inches thick. The subsoil is mottled dark-gray to light olive-gray sandy clay loam. The underlying material is a depth of about 39 inches is mottled gray, calcareous fine sandy loam.
Of minor extent in this association are Blomford, Braham, Cathro, Glencoe, Kratka, and Rifle soils.
Large depressions and low-lying areas are occupied by Rifle soils. Smaller depressions are occupied by Cathro soils. Some small depressions and rims around some of the larger depressions are occupied by Glencoe or Kratka soils. The nearly level sand-capped areas are Blomford soils. The gently sloping to sloping sand capped areas are Braham soils.
Much of this association is moderately to poorly suited to most urban uses. It is well suited to farming and provides sites for recreational facilities. Fertility is high, and the available water capacity is very high.
The chief management needs are controlling the level of the water table in low-lying areas, controlling erosion in the more sloping areas, and maintaining fertility.
About half the association is farmed. Commonly grown crops are corn soybeans, and alfalfa. Some undrained wet areas are used for recreation and wildlife. The increasing urban trend is expected to continue.
