Ransom County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is 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 Ransom County, North Dakota.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.