Kidder County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Kidder County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appam sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 93K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 68K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zahl-Max-Parnell complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lihen-Telfer loamy fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lehr-Wabek loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 30K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Krem-Flaxton complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hecla-Ulen loamy fine sands, low precipitation, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Krem-Williams complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appam sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marysland loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.