Dickey County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Barnes, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Svea and Hamerly come next.
About 36% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 46% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 32% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% 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 Dickey 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 Moderately 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 Dickey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 97K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 59K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Cavour loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavour-Ferney loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Forman-Cavour loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Cavour loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swenoda-Barnes fine sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vallers, saline-Manfred complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | 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 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 46% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.