Burleigh 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. Bowbells and Zahl come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 42% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 21% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% of it.
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 Burleigh 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Burleigh 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-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 206K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lehr loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Roseglen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arnegard loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 25K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Parshall-Lihen fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Parshall-Lihen fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lihen loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lehr loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Harriet-Regan-Stirum complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Werner-Amor-Arnegard loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Temvik silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rhoades-Daglum complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belfield-Rhoades complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seroco-Telfer complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | 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 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 42% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.