Ward County, North Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Ward County, North Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forman-Aastad loams, west, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 132K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamlet-Souris-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 121K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 88K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamlet-Souris loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 61K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Aastad loams, west, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Forman-Aastad-Tonka complex, west, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes-La Prairie, occasionally flooded loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamlet-Souris loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 30K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buse-Barnes-Darnen loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aastad-Tonka complex, west, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Forman loam, west, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamlet-Tonka-Wyard complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowe-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appam sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.