Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Survey Area ND033• North Dakota

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 Golden Valley 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
Patent-Badland-Cabbart complex, 6 to 50 percent slopes	86K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lonna-Cabbart silt loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes	78K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Badland-Patent complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	55K			Very limited	Very limited
Chama-Sen-Cabba silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chama-Cabba-Sen silt loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Golva silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lonna-Kirby-Cabbart complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Golva silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Beisigl-Flasher-Telfer loamy fine sands, 6 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabba-Chama silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhame-Fleak complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Glendive-Havre-Fluvaquents complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	13K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cherry-Cabba silt loams, 9 to 45 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Cambeth silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Belfield-Wyola-Daglum complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabba-Chama silt loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gerda-Maltese complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Belfield-Grail-Arnegard complex, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cherry silt loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes	6K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 72% 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.