Cass County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Fargo, on about 24% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Hegne and Bearden come next.
About 11% of the land drains well, and 70% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 54% of it.
USDA rates 81% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% 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 Cass 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Cass 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 178K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo-Hegne silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 95K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 69K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kindred-Bearden silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, depressional, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Kindred silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hegne-Fargo silty clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban Land-Aquerts complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lankin-Gilby loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glyndon-Tiffany silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fargo-Ryan, thick solum silty clays, 0 to 1 percents slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swenoda fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Embden loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Embden fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat 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 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.