McKenzie County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 McKenzie County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahl-Cabba-Maschetah complex, 6 to 70 percent slopes | 89K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland-Arikara-Cabbart complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dogtooth-Janesburg-Cabba complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 58K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cabba-Badland complex, 6 to 70 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Daglum-Belfield complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flasher-Vebar-Parshall complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brandenburg-Cabba-Dogtooth complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Chama-Sen silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boxwell-Cabbart-Arikara complex, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Cabba-Arikara complex, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max loams, dissected, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherry-Cabba silt loams, 9 to 45 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patent-Badland-Cabbart complex, 6 to 50 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Badland complex, 6 to 70 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Cabba-Williams complex, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Chama-Havrelon, occasionally flooded complex, 2 to 70 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.