Benson County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Benson County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 118K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 83K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Esmond loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fram-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Esmond-Sisseton loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Souris-Balaton-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slope | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell-Vallers, saline, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes-Langhei loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lallie silty clay loam, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lallie silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantford loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wamduska-Mauvais complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fram-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.