McLean County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 25% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Bowbells and Zahl come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 30% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 21% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in McLean County, North Dakota, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 McLean 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
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
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.