Richland County, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Richland County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Vida loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 163K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lambert-Dimyaw complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahill loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahill-Lambert complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 89K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lambert-Badland complex | 81K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahill-Vida loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Vida loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vida-Zahill loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cherry-Cambert silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shambo loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shambo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cherry, Havrelon, and Trembles soils, occasionally flooded | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tinsley soils, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherry-Cambert-Cabba silt loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplaquents | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cherry silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.