Nelson County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Nelson County, North Dakota.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% 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.