Burke County, North Dakota
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 Burke County, North Dakota. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Niobell loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 61K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Noonan-Niobell loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 58K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Parnell complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miranda-Noonan loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Niobell loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Niobell-Noonan-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harriet, Regan, and Stirum soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamlet-Souris loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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.