Towner County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Towner County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balaton-Souris-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 158K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 150K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell-Vallers, saline, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 78K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Souris-Balaton-Svea loams, 0 to 4 percent slope | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowe-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Divide loam, shaly, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Great Bend-Overly silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Lindaas silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brantford-Coe complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearden-Colvin silt loams, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyndmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swenoda-Barnes fine sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colvin silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantford-Divide, shaly, loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.