McLean 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 McLean County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 304K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 135K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 114K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 60K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Arnegard loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 32K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ruso-Appam complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Werner-Amor-Arnegard loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruso coarse sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Falkirk loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bowdle loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau phase | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilton-Temvik silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Falkirk loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bowbells loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
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
Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.
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.