Broadwater County Area, Montana

Survey Area MT609• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Broadwater County Area, Montana. 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
Musselshell-Crago channery loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	33K			Not rated	Not rated
Amesha loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Tropal-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rencot channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nielsen channery loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cheadle stony loam, 9 to 35 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Musselshell-Crago cobbly loams, 8 to 20 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Thess silt loam	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Radersburg very cobbly loam	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tolman channery loam, 10 to 35 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brocko silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ess-Cheadle complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amesha loam, 4 to 9 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hilger extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Blaine-Cheadle cobbly loams, 10 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Toston silty clay loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Gnojek-Duffson complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sappington clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 62% 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.