Ramsey County, North Dakota

Survey Area ND071• North Dakota

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Ramsey 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
Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	152K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Parnell-Vallers, saline, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	82K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamerly-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	75K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	59K			Not rated	Not rated
Hamerly-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	55K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	43K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Souris-Balaton-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slope	28K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fargo-Hegne silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vallers-Hamerly loams, saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Barnes-Sioux complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamerly, saline-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bearden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Barnes-Cresbard loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hamerly, saline-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hamerly, saline-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hegne silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes	8K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 48% 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

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.