Ransom County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Barnes, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Svea and Hamerly come next.
About 44% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 29% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Ransom 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 Ransom 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamerly-Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 58K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hecla-Garborg loamy fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aylmer-Rosewood-Serden complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Serden-Hamar complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sioux-Renshaw complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gwinner-Peever-Parnell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ulen fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw-Sioux complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes-Darnen loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Divide loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosewood fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Aastad loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Serden fine sand, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ulen-Rosewood fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | 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 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.