Phillips County Area, Montana

Survey Area MT641• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Phillips 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
Kevin-Elloam complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	217K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	184K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kevin-Scobey-Phillips association, 2 to 15 percent slopes	132K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Neldore-Bascovy clays, 8 to 25 percent slopes	104K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Neldore-Bascovy-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	104K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thoeny-Elloam-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	99K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Phillips-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	89K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Phillips-Elloam complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	87K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Scobey-Phillips complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	87K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hillon clay loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	86K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elloam-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	84K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Sunburst-Neldore complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elloam-Phillips-Absher association, 0 to 8 percent slopes	74K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marvan-Vanda clays, 0 to 8 percent slopes	66K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Telstad-Joplin loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	61K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Yawdim-Cabbart-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 70 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Phillips-Elloam complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hillon-Cabbart loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	48K			Not rated	Not rated
Sunburst-Bascovy-Neldore complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Very 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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 87% 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.