Wells County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Heimdal, on about 13% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Emrick and Williams come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 35% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 25% 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 Wells 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 Wells 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 157K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fram-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 76K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emrick-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Uranda-Larson loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Embden-Heimdal complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larson-Uranda loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Renshaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams lacustrine, clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lowe-Fluvaquents, channeled complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fram-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Embden-Heimdal complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Embden-Egeland fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | 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 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 35% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.