Oliver County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Oliver County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Werner-Amor-Arnegard loams, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Temvik-Wilton-Williams silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Werner-Chama-Sen silt loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arnegard loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mined land complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Flaxton-Williams complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Werner-Farnuf loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arnegard loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Morton-Farland silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Straw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Flaxton-Williams loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Shambo loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Korchea-Fluvaquents complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.