Bowman County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Bowman County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhoades-Daglum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amor-Shambo loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rhoades-Rhoades, severely eroded complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Reeder-Farnuf loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beisigl-Flasher-Telfer loamy fine sands, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Janesburg complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belfield-Daglum complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rhoades-Absher complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Not limited |
| Dilts and Lisam clays, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Amor loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Chama-Shambo loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Amor loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dilts and Lisam clays, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Korchea-Fluvaquents complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stady loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arnegard loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cabbart-Yawdim-Rock outcrop, shale complex, 3 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Desart-Ekalaka-Telfer complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% 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
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.