Walsh County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Bearden, on about 10% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Glyndon and Barnes come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 50% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 56% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
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 Walsh 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Walsh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyndon silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 77K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hegne-Fargo silty clays, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 72K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 66K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 51K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lankin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilby loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers, saline-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Balaton-Wyard loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fargo silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse-Langhei loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Overly silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairdale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kloten-Walsh-Edgeley loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearden silty clay loam, moderately saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Embden fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Overly silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, fans | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat 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 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.