Burke County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 18% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Zahl and Niobell come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 75% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Burke County, North Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 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 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 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.