Stutsman County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Barnes, on about 10% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Williams and Zahl come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 43% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 36% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Stutsman 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 Stutsman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 108K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 64K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 48K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 42K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers-Hamerly loams, saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 22K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fordville-Renshaw loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes-Darnen loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka-Parnell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | 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 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 43% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.