Grand Forks County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Bearden, on about 20% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Antler and Glyndon come next.
About 17% of the land drains well, and 62% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 25% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% 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.
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 Grand Forks 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Grand Forks 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearden silty clay loam, moderately saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 105K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 72K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glyndon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ojata silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antler silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antler-Mustinka silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Embden fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilby loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antler silty clay loam, moderately saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arvilla sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Perella silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere-Tiffany fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glyndon-Tiffany silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inkster sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cresbard-Cavour loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gardena silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lankin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wyndmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | 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 67% 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 83% 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.