McIntosh County, 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 McIntosh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bearpaw-Zeeland loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Lehr complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bowdle-Lehr loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Zeeland loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehr-Bowdle loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Noonan loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bearpaw loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Makoti-Sakakawea complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 30% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.