McHenry County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 McHenry County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aylmer-Bantry fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 104K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hecla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 92K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 48K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lohnes-Claire coarse sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamlet-Souris loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ulen-Hecla loamy fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Falsen-Karlsruhe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Embden fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maddock-Hecla loamy fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamlet-Souris loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Forman-Aastad loams, west, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stirum-Arveson, saline fine sandy loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ludden silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Serden fine sand, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arveson fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.