Mountrail County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 23% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Zahl and Bowbells come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 10% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 33% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% 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 5% 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 Mountrail 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 Mountrail 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 | 201K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 164K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 120K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 100K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Parnell complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 36K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arikara-Shambo-Cabba loams, 9 to 70 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max-Arnegard loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehr loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Appam sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minot silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tansem loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very 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 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 33% 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.