Mercer County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Mercer 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Werner-Amor-Arnegard loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mined land complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes | 53K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Water | 47K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Williams loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rhoades-Daglum complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Werner-Chama-Sen silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Temvik-Wilton-Williams silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cohagen-Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Badland complex, 6 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowbells loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Korchea-Fluvaquents complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belfield-Wyola-Daglum complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Straw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Werner-Farnuf loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flaxton-Williams complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lihen loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very 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 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.