Nelson County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Hamerly, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Barnes and Svea come next.
About 31% of the land drains well, and 41% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 41% of it.
USDA rates 63% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% 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 1% 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 Nelson 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 Moderately 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 Nelson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers, saline-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Wyard loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell-Vallers, saline, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vallers-Hamerly loams, saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers, saline-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lankin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Buse-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Balaton-Wyard loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Cresbard loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | 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 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.