Cavalier County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Cavalier 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 136K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 84K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 77K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell-Vallers, saline, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 52K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Svea-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vallers-Hamerly loams, saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 38K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavour-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Olga-Kloten complex, 9 to 75 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vallers, saline-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waukon loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waukon loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kloten-Walsh-Edgeley loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Souris-Balaton-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slope | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.